Head Data42 Data Management & Data Products

Posted on September 7, 2025
Basel
Posted on September 7, 2025

About this role

Summary

Data42 is Novartis’s data and analytics platform, that allows us to integrate different data modalities (discovery, preclinical, clinical, Real World Data (RWD)) at scale to support data-driven decision making across Novartis. We are seeking a Head of Data Engineering and Data Products to join our dynamic and innovative data and analytics team. This pivotal role is responsible for designing, building and maintaining data solutions using Palantir Foundry. In this role you will foster the use of AI/GenAI to advance the speed of high quality data delivery as well as to democratize the access to data and insights across the organization. The Head of Data Engineering and Data Products is a member of the Data42 Leadership team which comprises a Head of Data Science and Innovation, a Head of Platform as well as a Data Governance lead. In addition, this role will collaborate with key stakeholders across the Data and Digital Organization and across Novartis to ensure the rapid delivery of high quality data and data products with a team of ~50 internal and external team members. You will contribute to the overall success of Data42 as a member of the Data42 Leadership Team. This role will report directly to the Global Head of Data42.

About the Role

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Data Engineering

  • Define the vision, lead and continue to develop our cross-functional Data Engineering and Data Products team by staying current with emerging technologies
  • Responsible for architecting, designing, maintaining and optimizing complex data pipelines to support data exploration, operational workflows as well as advanced analytics
  • Ensure best practices for data ingestion, processing, validation, transformation and storage
  • Implement processes that guarantee data quality, integrity, security, compliance, and discoverability across platforms
  • Advance the further use of automation and AI to accelerate the quality, speed and breadth of data delivery

Data Products

  • Accountable for designing, building and running scalable data product solutions using agentic workflows on Palantir Foundry to democratize data access with future needs in mind.
  • Establish and action security and compliance policies to safeguard data access and dissemination
  • Collaborate across the Data and Digital Organization as well as across Novartis. Support and ensure the flexible co-ordination of activities to deliver against timelines

Delivery and Operations:

  • Define and track key measurements for data systems and product success
  • Oversee the project planning, delivery, and ongoing support for data engineering and product development
  • Drive continuous improvement by monitoring system performance, analyze product data, and respond to feedback

Essential Requirements:

  • PhD or master’s degree in computer science or a related discipline with experience in pharma R&D with more than 10-15 yrs of experience in pharma or biotech
  • Experience in data management, data engineering and data modelling, particularly in the design and implementation of efficient and scalable data models across different data domains with Clinical and RWD experience preferred
  • Knowledgeable and experienced in CDISC data models/standards (i.e. SEND, SDTM, ADaM) and RWD data models/standards (i.e. OMOP)
  • Experience with cloud platforms and cloud-based data and AI/ML solutions (Databricks, Snowflake, AWD SageMaker etc…)
  • Strong enterprise mindset strategic thinker with a vision for data-driven decision-making from an end-to-end perspective
  • Proven global cross-functional leadership skills including coaching and talent development, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive organizational change within complex and ambiguous environments
  • Excellent communication skills with proficiency in English (oral and written)

Nice to have:

  • Ideally proficient in Palantir Foundry to integrate, manage and analyze large data-sets

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.

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

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