Head of CADD (Computer-Aided Drug Discovery)

Job Description SummaryOver 20 million! That’s the number of proprietary quantitative activity measurements available for data mining and modeling. Imagine leading a team at the forefront of drug discovery, where you can leverage this vast knowledge base, along with proprietary structural and pharmacological target information, to uncover groundbreaking drug candidates. As the head of the Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) team in Basel, Switzerland, you’ll delve into cutting-edge science and technology, such as generative chemistry and high-performance computing, within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.Novartis stands as one of the largest pure-play pharmaceutical companies globally, boasting an industry-leading pipeline. Our robust R&D engine drives the development of transformative medicines aimed at combating diseases, restoring possibilities, and enhancing lives. With group net sales of $45.4 billion and $8.6 billion invested in R&D, including 41 ongoing Phase III clinical trials in 2023, our commitment to innovation is unwavering.Biomedical Research (BR), the global research arm of Novartis, comprises over 5,200 scientists, physicians, and business professionals worldwide. Our researchers tackle some of the most significant health challenges in biomedicine, focusing on Oncology, Cardiovascular Diseases, Immunology, and Neuroscience. We are also exploring emerging fields such as Ophthalmology, Regenerative Medicine, Renal, and Global Health. With research centers in seven locations worldwide, including our global headquarters in Cambridge, MA, we are dedicated to advancing science and improving health outcomes.At BR, we value your ideas, personal growth, and career aspirations. We are a respected research group that actively engages with the broader scientific community. To address the world’s toughest medical challenges, you will be empowered to take smart risks and leverage your creativity and resourcefulness in an unbossed environment.Join our vibrant team at Basel GDC and be at the forefront of drug discovery and technological innovation! We’re on the lookout for a unique and seasoned computational scientist to lead our dynamic team, which thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration and boasts both local and global impact.As a key player in the Basel Global Discovery Chemistry (GDC) team, you’ll have the opportunity to make significant contributions to drug discovery and technological advancements across all research sites, disease areas, and technology platforms. We pride ourselves on leveraging BR’s extensive knowledge base and collaborating with over 5,000 scientists, each bringing a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to innovation.In your role as a visionary leader and innovator, you will harness your extensive cross-disciplinary knowledge and scientific acumen to inspire a team of creative and inquisitive scientists. Your expertise, experience, and passion are crucial for navigating the complexities of chemical space and uncovering molecular insights that lead to groundbreaking drug candidates. We seek your ability to deliver on the portfolio while transforming our ways of working through AI/ML methods.This exciting opportunity is based at our Basel Campus in the picturesque city of Basel, Switzerland. We invite you to bring your scientific prowess and leadership to our team and help shape the future of medicine.Job DescriptionMajor accountabilities:Step into a pivotal role where your expertise will guide groundbreaking research programs within the BR portfolio. As a visionary leader, you will:Initiate and steer research programs, setting ambitious long-term goals and ensuring their successful completion across multiple projects.Drive our digital transformation, being part of our ambitious AI/ML strategy to bring computational methods to the forefront of drug discovery.Apply your hands-on experience in advanced modeling and dynamics simulations to unravel the 3D structural mechanisms of novel ligands, in collaboration with experimental scientists.Influence drug discovery with your expertise in generative and computational-first approaches, driving projects from inception to fruition.Lead interdisciplinary teams in making informed decisions, from target identification to candidate nomination, with your strategic insights.Pioneer new practices to address complex challenges, setting a benchmark for scientific problem-solving.Shape the med chem portfolio’s strategy, overseeing its progression from early to late stages and guaranteeing impactful outcomes.Foster scientific excellence by integrating cutting-edge technologies that enhance research productivity.Direct scientific endeavors across sites as a key member of the Global CADD leadership team, advocating for novel technologies and representing CADD and GDC both internally and externally.Mentor and nurture talent, providing guidance to direct reports and selected scientists, aligning their development with their experience and focus areas.Offer strategic counsel to local and global teams, addressing management and performance issues with your seasoned perspective.Stay at the forefront of science, engaging with the scientific community to incorporate the latest insights into computational drug discovery approaches. This role is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact on the future of medicine.Minimum RequirementsEmbark on an exciting journey with us as a computational expert in the field of drug discovery. We are looking for someone with:Possess an advanced degree in computational chemistry, biology, chemical biology, or a related field.Have over a decade of experience in applying computational methods to drug discovery.Demonstrate a proven record of delivering disease candidates to the clinic.Exhibit a strong record of creating successful strategies and delivering digital transformations.Showcase hands-on expertise with significant impact in various CADD approaches, including Structure-based Drug Design, AI/ML and Computational-first approaches, Virtual Screening, Hit and Lead Finding, Molecular Dynamics, Free Energy Calculations, Multi-Objective Optimization, and Generative Chemistry.Maintain a strong presence in the scientific community, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations at prestigious venues.Receive leadership recognition for strategic direction, project initiation, overcoming obstacles, advancing science, and contributing to the drug discovery pipeline.Proven experience in managing and nurturing the growth of scientists.We invite you to bring your wealth of knowledge and leadership to our team, where your contributions will be pivotal in advancing the frontiers of medicine.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!Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams‘ representative of the patients and communities we serve.Accessibility & 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. 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