Associate Director and Senior Principal, AI Methods, AI for Research (AI4R)

Novartis • Cambridge, MA

7d • $160,300 - $297,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

Shape the future of drug discovery through cutting-edge artificial intelligence. As a leader in the AI Methods group within AI for Research (AI4R), you will drive the development of advanced machine learning approaches that unlock new insights across the biomedical research pipeline. From identifying novel therapeutic targets to accelerating clinical translation, your work will directly contribute to delivering innovative medicines faster. This is a unique opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with scientific curiosity, collaborate with world-class researchers, and redefine how AI transforms healthcare.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in developing and deploying machine learning solutions across drug discovery domains
• Hands-on expertise applying machine learning to target identification, protein modelling, or translational research
• Strong experience with large-scale model training, high performance computing, and cloud-based infrastructure
• Advanced knowledge of modern machine learning methods such as representation learning or neural network architectures
• Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks, with strong software development and version control practices
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and deliver impactful machine learning solutions in complex, matrixed environments

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated contributions through publications, patents, or open-source projects in advanced machine learning research
• Experience with multimodal or foundation models applied to biomedical data such as imaging, genomics, or molecular structures

Responsibilities

• Lead matrixed teams to design and deliver robust, scalable machine learning solutions for drug discovery
• Drive development of core machine learning capabilities across priority AI use cases in biomedical research
• Identify opportunities for methodological innovation across the end-to-end drug discovery pipeline
• Build advanced algorithms, models, and workflows to accelerate therapeutic discovery and development
• Establish and manage strategic collaborations with leading academic and external research partners
• Act as subject matter expert on state-of-the-art machine learning approaches across research domains
• Translate complex model outputs into actionable scientific hypotheses and guide experimental design
• Define and implement meaningful success metrics for AI models to ensure measurable research impact
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to align AI solutions with scientific and business objectives
• Promote awareness and adoption of advanced AI methods within the broader research organization

Benefits

• health, life, and disability coverage
• a 401(k) plan with company contribution and matching
• a range of additional benefits
• a generous time-off package, including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leave options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed