Associate Director, Solution Architect Innovation & Delivery

As a Solution Architect in Innovation & Delivery, you are responsible for not only designing and planning, but actively guiding thru execution end-to-end solution architectures that enable scalable, integrated, and high-impact digital systems supporting Biomedical Research. Working at the intersection of delivery segment teams and engineering teams, you translate business, scientific, and portfolio strategy into clear, actionable architectural direction that informs design, engineering, and delivery outcomes. Leveraging strong domain awareness and architectural expertise, you oversee the landscape of scientific and informatics capabilities and how they map to digital solutions. You ensure these capabilities are consistently represented across data platforms, AI solutions, and shared services, and that they integrate into cohesive, scalable ecosystems serving thousands of users. Operating as an expert individual contributor, you bridge domain intent with technical implementation, delivering solution design, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards as well as data and AI strategies, and driving consistent adoption of architectural patterns across the organization.

This role is based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in the life sciences / pharmaceutical industry

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline)

• Strong understanding of scientific domains (e.g., biomedical research, data-driven science) to effectively evaluate technologies and vendor offerings in context

• Strong understanding of digital, software, data, and AI technology landscapes, including emerging patterns and capabilities.

• Ability to distinguish meaningful signals from noise and assess relevance in complex, evolving environments.

• Strong external orientation with awareness of industry, academic and startup innovation trends

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to evaluate opportunities and prioritize based on value, feasibility, risk, and strategic alignment

• Ability to translate ambiguous signals into clear, decision-ready insights that inform Software and Workflows portfolio direction

• Experience shaping hypotheses and defining structured approaches to early-stage opportunity evaluation

• Ability to connect technology trends to real user, scientific, and business problems.

• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to executive, product, and technical audiences

• Proven ability to influence decision-making and prioritization without direct authority

• Ability to synthesize complex concepts into clear insights and compelling, actionable recommendations.

• High curiosity and learning agility with comfort operating in ambiguity and early‑stage uncertainty.

• Strong bias toward exploration, rapid experimentation, and continuous learning.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to effectively engage across diverse stakeholder groups.