Data Science Innovation Postdoc

Job Description Summary

As part of the Data Science Innovation Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will join our vibrant, dedicated postdoctoral community for events, including the monthly postdoc seminars and other scheduled events for postdocs. Fellows are surrounded by a supportive, collaborative community of postdocs and scientists, who would contribute to the acceleration of your scientific growth, along with building your professional skillset, e.g. you will have the opportunity to do a Postdoc Practicum in another laboratory or in a business function of Novartis. This applied research program has a duration of 3 years. Drug hunting is a team sport, and you will gain experience in Data Science & AI for drug discovery as part of a multi-disciplinary team in Biomedical Research. You will drive innovation by deploying cutting-edge data approaches in collaboration with a vibrant and diverse community of over 300 data scientists globally. The program provides a unique platform to work on real-world, biomedical data at scale, rarely accessible in academia. Seize this chance to be at the forefront of Data Science and AI and shape the future of drug discovery!

 

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Data Science Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Location: Hybrid, Cambridge, MA #LI-hybrid

We are thrilled to seek applications for our Data Science Innovation Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

This applied research program is designed to change the way we approach drug discovery, offering fellows a unique chance to train in Data Science and AI for biomedical research. As a fellow, you will learn to apply your quantitative and computational skills to make a difference for patients and reimagine medicine at Novartis.

Despite well known, shared mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders (i.e. Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), etc.), there is still a significant gap in understanding why such shared mechanisms are not reflected in biomarkers/targets identified for each of these diseases.  In the Biomedical Research Neuroscience group we seek to tackle this challenge by creating one or several novel cross-disease AI models to potentially unlock the power of the vast amounts of public (and growing internal) data available.  The goal is to enable improved biomarker identification (or reprioritization), identify additional targets for disease intervention, as well as gain a critical understanding of the outcomes of prior clinical trials to improve the design of future trials.

Through the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will build your competency as a drug hunter, and as a scientific leader in the field. You will join a professional network that will support your growth as a research scientist, and you will have the opportunity to tackle disease and make an impact, by reimagining medicine together.

Start date: September/October 2025

Key responsibilities

As a Data Science Innovation Fellow, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases through the power of AI. In this dynamic and interdisciplinary position, you will:

• Drive Discovery: Independently and collaboratively explore cutting-edge AI methodologies to uncover insights across multiple neurodegenerative conditions.
• Illuminate Mechanisms: Deepen our understanding of the core biological processes that define neurodegeneration.
• Bridge Models and Medicine: Translate findings between human data and in-vivo models to accelerate therapeutic development.
• Uncover Breakthroughs: Identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could shape the next generation of neurodegenerative disease treatments.
• Lead with Influence: Empower cross-functional teams by clearly communicating complex concepts, sharing impactful findings, and fostering innovation across disciplines.

Essential requirements:

• PhD in data science, computational biology or a related field
• Note that PhD students in the last year of their thesis work are eligible to apply. Applicants are only eligible to apply up to 2 years from the date of receiving their PhD (i.e. PhD degrees must have been awarded May 2023 or later).
• Experience in AI/ML and scientific programming (preference for python)
• Familiarity with one or several of the following data modalities: human genetics, gene expression, proteomics
• Familiarity with the biology of neurodegenerative diseases is a plus
• Strong publication record or other scientific achievements (i.e. awards, patents, grants)
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation and organizational skills
• Passion for fundamental exploratory research and boundless curiosity

How to apply:

Please submit your CV and cover letter by Aug 1st, 2025 for consideration. Please make sure to discuss in the cover letter how this training program will help you fulfill your career goals. 

The starting salary for this position is $87,000 per year.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

#DSIF

 

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

 

Salary Range

$93,800.00 - $174,200.00

 

Skills Desired

Biostatistics, Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Databases, Data Management, Data Mining, Data Quality, Data Visualization, Deep Learning, Graph Algorithms, High-Performance Computing, Logistic Regression Model, Machine Learning (Ml), Master Data Management, Pandas (Python), Python (Programming Language), R (Programming Language), Random Forest Algorithm, Sql (Structured Query Language), Statistical Modeling, Time Series Analysis