Associate Director, Data Science

Salary: £60,000 - 100,000 per year

Requirements:

• We require an advanced degree in life sciences or a quantitative discipline, such as data science, computational biology, pharmacometrics, bioinformatics, computational chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• We require a PhD with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or an MSc with at least 8 years of relevant experience, in drug discovery or development.
• We require strong expertise in machine learning, statistics, and data science methods.
• We require demonstrated experience applying reproducible data science approaches to drug discovery or development.
• Experience combining mechanistic modelling and data-driven approaches is strongly preferred.
• We require a strong understanding of ADME, PK/PD, and/or translational modelling concepts.
• We require proficiency in Python and/or R, including software development best practices such as version control, testing, and documentation.
• We require experience with machine learning libraries such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, or Keras.
• We require strong data visualization and exploratory data analysis skills.
• We require the ability to translate complex analytical concepts into clear, actionable insights.
• We require strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams.
• We require fluency in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities:

• Shape and advance AI-driven MIDD by integrating mechanistic modelling and machine learning to bridge biology and clinical outcomes.
• Design and implement hybrid modelling pipelines in which mechanistic simulations generate features for machine learning models.
• Translate model-derived biomarkers and mechanistic states into clinically relevant predictions and decision-support tools.
• Drive scientifically grounded AI approaches that enhance mechanistic understanding and ensure rigor, interpretability, and robustness.
• Develop scalable, reproducible workflows integrating data science, mechanistic modelling, and in-house tools.
• Define and implement project-specific in silico modelling and data strategies aligned with key decision questions.
• Apply and advance available data mining and advanced analytics to link molecular structure, ADME properties, and pharmacological outcomes across modalities.
• Drive adoption and effective use of in silico models, tools, and data to accelerate decision-making.
• Collaborate with PKS, Translational Medicine, and Data & Digital teams to integrate diverse preclinical, clinical, and external datasets.
• Contribute to translational programs across disease areas and communicate modelling insights to influence decision-making.
• Stay current with advances in AI/ML and their application to ADME, PK/PD, and drug discovery and development; evaluate and bring appropriate innovations into practice to improve efficiency and scientific impact.
• Contribute to departmental strategy and drive innovation in AI-augmented modelling approaches, ensuring proactive use of data science and in silico methods to guide compound progression, prioritization, and clinical decision-making.

Technologies:

• AI
• Support
• Keras
• Machine Learning
• PyTorch
• Python
• SQL
• pandas

More:

We are Novartis, a leader in data science and model-informed drug development. We are seeking an experienced Data Science leader for an Associate Director role supporting data-driven drug discovery and development through advanced analytics, machine learning, and mechanistic modelling. You will partner with Pharmacokinetic Sciences (PKS) Modeling & Simulation, Translational Medicine, and multidisciplinary project teams, and report to the Head of Data Science in the PKS M&S team within Translational Medicine in Biomedical Research. This full-time, hybrid role is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an average of 12 days per month on site. The expected salary range is $160,300 to $297,700 per year; the final offer considers relevant skills and experience, and the range may change based on company and market factors. Compensation includes a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on role level, potential eligibility for annual equity awards. Eligible US-based employees receive health, life, and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, other benefits, and paid time off including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

last updated 39 week of 2026