Head of Data Governance, Anonymization and Quality — Novartis

Full description

Summary Location: Basel, Switzerland

#LI-Hybrid 3 days/week in office

Internal job title: Head of Data Governance, Anonymization and Quality, Data42

About the Role

Data42 is Novartis’ enterprise data and AI platform, bringing together clinical, research, and real world data to power advanced analytics and accelerate the discovery and development of innovative medicines.

As part of the Data42 leadership team, the Head of Data Governance, Anonymization and Quality will establish and enforce data governance frameworks, standards, and controls to ensure data integrity, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of high-quality, trusted information across the organization. You are a driven, self-motivated leader, who will help us. In addition, the role is responsible for the anonymization of patient data to enable secondary research while safeguarding privacy and compliance requirements. This role acts as the Deputy EDO and co-leads the Biomedical Research (BR) Governance Board in partnership with the Head of Data / EDO to drive effective data governance and decision-making.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement data governance policies and standards for BR, ensuring consistency, integrity, and compliance across the organization
• Partner with the Head of Data and Platform to embed data governance principles into technology solutions, including “data governance as code”
• Lead the anonymization of Novartis patient-level data to enable compliant secondary research use on Data42
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Data on enterprise data management (EDM) activities
• Support the execution of the BR data strategy by ensuring alignment with business and data governance requirements
• Monitor and continuously improve data governance and data quality practices across BR, driving accountability and measurable outcomes
• Ensure ongoing audit readiness by maintaining robust controls, documentation, and compliance processes
• Serve as Deputy Enterprise Data Officer (EDO), providing leadership, guidance, and continuity in data governance and oversight activities

Essential Requirements

• 15+ Years of experience in Data Governance or related field, with strong interest in Governance and Application of AI
• PhD or MSc in Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Experience in drug discovery and/or life sciences, with an understanding of data-driven research environments and familiarity with clinical data and real world data, paired with an advanced knowledge in bioinformatics, computer science, or related quantitative disciplines.
• Solid understanding and practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a business and scientific context, with proven expertise in data analysis, data science, and deriving actionable insights from complex datasets.
• Proven, driven leader, with a strong track record in leading and developing high-performing global teams
• Extensive experience in defining and delivering enterprise data strategies aligned to business objectives
• Track record of driving innovation and embedding new technologies or data-driven approaches at scale
• Proven ability to excel in fast-paced environments, with a strong focus on execution and delivering results
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries.
• Strong enterprise thinking mindset, particularly with Data Privacy and Enterprise Data Management (EDM) stakeholders

Desirable requirements

• Scientific background would be an advantage
• Cybersecurity interest or experience, related to data security
• Familiarity with Palantir Foundry

​ 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 peopl