At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our AI & Data Engineering team to develop automation tools for clinical trials.
- Company: Novartis is a leading global healthcare company committed to improving lives through innovative medicines.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, a supportive culture, and opportunities for continuous learning.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to revolutionise medicine and make a real impact on patients' lives.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in relevant fields with 2-5 years of experience in AI or automation.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, fostering a collaborative environment for all.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Summary Location: London, United Kingdom #LI-Hybrid
Internal job title: Senior Expert Data Science / Data & AI Engineer
About the Role:
Complex data are integral to our work in clinical studies. This position is part of a newly established AI & Data Engineering team within the Advanced Quantitative Sciences function at Novartis. Our mission is to leverage automation and artificial intelligence to unlock the potential of complex scientific data sources. By accelerating quantitative decision-making in clinical trials through high-quality data assets and tools, we aim to bring innovative medicines to patients faster.
The Data & AI Engineer actively contributes to the development and implementation of computational automation methods for tasks such as data extraction, preparation, quality assurance, as well as the AI-assisted analysis of unstructured or high-dimensional data. Working closely with colleagues from quantitative sciences, IT, and internal innovation teams, this position focuses on hands-on delivery and integration of practical automation and implementation of AI solutions & methods through strong engineering practices. The engineer helps operationalize newly developed methods, ensuring their safe and effective application to drive measurable impact in our drug development day-to-day work. About the Role
Key Responsibilities:
- Develops AI / automation tools and solutions to accelerate work with documents and data from clinical trials. Delivers technical excellence by designing and implementing technology aspects of applied AI and automation projects, from concept to deployment. Contributes to defining the scope, goals, and deliverables of these initiatives, with a strong focus on creating solutions that offer measurable improvements over existing methods.
- Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships, communicating effectively with partners in the Advanced Quantitative Sciences function and clinical teams to foster a culture where new technology can be leveraged in a safe, responsible and transparent manner.
- Drives the adoption of AI and automation by offering expert consulting and guidance on complex and unexpected data challenges.
- Understands risk, quality, and compliance in a drug development setting, ensuring all work aligns with existing processes; maintains well-documented solutions; ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as data security and privacy best practices; and proactively identifies and mitigates risks associated with AI and automation tools and projects.
- Remains current with industry trends and advancements, helping to strengthen the connection between Novartis and the external AI community through open-source contributions, publications, and participation in external congresses, conferences, and scientific workshops.
- Fosters a culture of continuous learning, constructive collaboration, and innovation within the team, collaborating on tasks and projects to ensure deadlines are met.
Essential Requirements:
- MSc or PhD in Computer Science/Engineering, Data Sciences, Artificial Intelligence / Machine learning, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics or any other computational quantitative science
- Minimum of 2-5 years of developing technical solutions for automation or AI.
- Prior exposure to work in life sciences or drug development is highly beneficial.
- Expert in software / AI engineering practices (including versioning, release management, deployment of models, agile & related software tools).
- Strong software development skills in R (including package development, deployment, advanced programming) and Python.
- Specialist expertise in one or more of the following: Deep learning & analytical frameworks such as pytorch, jax, tensorflow; LLM / LMM applications & agentic AI; bioinformatics & data science.
- Expertise in systems programming languages (e.g. C/C++/Rust) is optional but can be beneficial.
- Strong working knowledge of at least one large-scale data processing technology (e.g. High-performance computing, distributed computing), databases and underlying technology (cloud or on-prem environments, containerization, distributed storage & databases…)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (fluent in English, verbal and written) effectively bridging scientific and business needs; experience working in a matrix environment
- Proven record of delivering high-quality results in quantitative sciences and/or a strong scientific publication track record
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Why Novartis?
Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to learn more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network
Accessibility and accommodation:
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network
Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards
#LI-DNI
AI & Data Engineer employer: Novartis
Contact Detail:
Novartis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AI & Data Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI and data engineering, especially in the context of life sciences. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant conferences or workshops. Engaging with the AI community can provide insights into industry challenges and innovations, which could be beneficial when discussing your ideas and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience with AI tools and automation solutions. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented these technologies, as practical examples can significantly strengthen your candidacy.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of compliance and risk management in drug development. Being able to articulate how you would ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace AI & Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in AI, data engineering, and automation. Focus on projects that demonstrate your skills in software development, particularly in R and Python, as well as any experience in life sciences or drug development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for leveraging AI in clinical trials. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects and how your background aligns with Novartis' mission to improve patient outcomes through innovative technology.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical expertise in your application. Highlight your experience with deep learning frameworks, large-scale data processing technologies, and any relevant programming languages. This will help demonstrate your fit for the role.
Emphasise Collaboration and Communication: Since the role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your interpersonal skills and experience in collaborative environments. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with AI and automation tools. Highlight specific projects where you've developed solutions, especially in the context of clinical data or life sciences, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Novartis' mission to improve patient lives through innovative medicines. Be ready to articulate how your skills and experiences align with their goals, particularly in leveraging AI for drug development.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, prepare examples that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss how you’ve communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Research recent advancements in AI and data engineering, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Being able to discuss current trends or technologies will demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.