Head of Data Governance, Anonymization and Quality

Job Description Summary

Location: Cambridge USA, #LI-Hybrid 3 days/week in office

Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

This role is required to be in our Cambridge US office 3x/week.

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

 

Job Description

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 frameworks, standards, and controls to ensure data and process integrity, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of high-quality, trusted information across the organization. The role is responsible for the anonymization of patient data to enable secondary research while safeguarding privacy and compliance requirements, 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.

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, including governance frameworks such as the BR Data Governance Board charter

• Play a key role in shaping and executing the BR data strategy, ensuring alignment with business priorities and regulatory 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 or scientific context, with proven expertise in data analysis, data science, and deriving actionable insights from complex datasets.

• Proven leadership experience, 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

• Ability to thrive in dynamic environments and a strong execution mindset to drive outcomes and deliver results

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries and cross-functionally, with a strong enterprise thinking mindset, particularly with Data Privacy and Enterprise Data Management (EDM) stakeholders, with excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior leadership level

Desirable requirements:

• Scientific background would be an advantage

• Cybersecurity interest or experience, related to data security

• Familiarity with Palantir Foundry

​The salary for this position is expected to range between $176,400 and $327,600 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

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.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

 

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

$176,400.00 - $327,600.00

 

Skills Desired

Clinical Trials, Data Architecture, Data Governance, Data Integration, Data Management, Data Products, Data Quality, Data Science, Data Strategy, Drug Development, Global Project Management, Operations, People Management