Lab Automation & Logistics Delivery Lead

As a Delivery Lead for Lab Automation & Logistics in Data & Digital (D&D), you will drive the delivery and adoption of cutting-edge automation, orchestration, and AI-enabled solutions across laboratory operations and sample logistics in Biomedical Research. You will play a pivotal role in transforming how scientific workflows are executed enabling scalable, efficient, and data-driven lab environments that accelerate research outcomes.

Internal job title: Associate DirectorPosition Location: San Diego, CA or Cambridge, MA, onsite #LI-onsiteThis role is based in San Diego, CA or Cambridge, MA.  Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if either location is accessible for you.The role focuses on creating and improving automated, and scalable end-to-end processes across lab, data, and logistics environments. Delivery is performed through predictable, high-quality, and timebound initiatives, aligned with enterprise priorities and architectural standards. The Delivery Lead is instrumental in prioritizing, planning, and executing initiatives across the full lifecycle from ideation to release, scaling, and transition to operations while ensuring alignment with architectural, security, and compliance standards. The role plays a central part in enabling innovative value creation for Biomedical Research through effective delivery leadership, workflow-centric thinking, and strong stakeholder engagement.Scope of ResponsibilityThe role operates across the following capability areas:Lab device and system integrationWorkflow orchestration across systems and teamsAutomation (RPA, event-driven workflows)AI solutions for operational processesSample ordering, production, and logistics workflowsCompliance-enabled workflow design and executionKey responsibilities:Lead end-to-end delivery of lab automation and workflow orchestration initiatives, driving scalable and efficient lab and logistics processes across Biomedical ResearchEnsure delivery excellence by managing scope, timelines, and budget while leading cross-functional matrix teams and aligning across stakeholders and D&D functionsDrive workflow automation by identifying inefficiencies and translating business processes into scalable, reusable automation solutions (RPA, orchestration, AI)Own stakeholder engagement by acting as the primary interface, building strong relationships, aligning priorities, and communicating progress, risks, and outcomes clearlyGuarantee compliance and standards by ensuring solutions meet architectural, security, and regulatory requirements, and align with enterprise platforms and data integrity needsEssential Requirements:Masters or PhD degree in a scientific/technology/computational science/data science area.10+ years of relevant experience in a multidisciplinary environment across the Pharma continuum.Proven ability to deliver complex initiatives end-to-end, consistently achieving high-quality outcomes on time and within budget across lab, data, or digital domainsStrong project management expertise, including prioritization, planning, execution, communication, and risk management, with the ability to manage dependencies across multiple teams and systemsDemonstrated experience leading cross-functional matrix teams, with the ability to effectively coordinate diverse stakeholders and drive aligned executionExcellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to act as a trusted delivery partner across business and technical audiencesSolid domain and digital expertise, including understanding of lab operations and scientific systems, and hands-on knowledge of workflow automation, RPA, and AI-enabled solutionsStrong systems thinking and automation mindset, with the ability to identify optimization opportunities and apply appropriate approaches (workflow orchestration, RPA, AI) to deliver scalable solutionsDesirable Requirements:Experience applying modern delivery practices (e.g., agile, experimentation, product-centric delivery models)Agentic AI experienceAbility to translate ambiguous operational challenges into structured, deliverable initiativesProven ability to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and high-performance delivery behaviors in complex environmentsCurious, self-motivated, and continuous learnerCollaborative and delivery-oriented mindsetThe salary for this position is expected to range between $152,600 and $283,400 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.