Senior Data Science Specialist

Sr. Specialist DDIT PO&CF Data Science & AI

Job Description Summary

The Senior Specialist, Data Science will support the development and deployment of advanced AI and Generative AI solutions across P&O and Corporate Functions at Novartis. The role focuses on implementing agentic and knowledge augmented AI components, contributing to end-to-end solution development, and applying strong analytical and machine learning skills to solve complex business problems. The specialist will work on data preparation, traditional ML/DL model development and Gen AI model-based development, evaluation, and integration of AI capabilities into enterprise workflows, while ensuring adherence to Responsible AI and data governance standards.

This position requires solid foundations in statistics, machine learning, algorithmic thinking, and the data science lifecycle. It also requires the ability to translate analytical findings into clear and concise insights, applying visualization and storytelling techniques for business users. The ideal candidate brings hands on experience with Python, ML frameworks, LLM tooling, MLOps practices, and demonstrates curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning. The Senior Specialist works collaboratively with cross functional teams, contributes to reusable AI assets, and supports solution implementation under the guidance of senior team members.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Location – Hyderabad #LI Hybrid

• Contribute to the development of AI and Generative AI solutions for Corporate Functions and P&O by supporting experimentation, feature engineering, prompt development, model training, and evaluation.
• Implement components of agentic AI architectures such as retrieval workflows, multimodal pipelines, and knowledge augmented models using enterprise approved tools and frameworks.
• Quickly learn and apply AI tools, agentic AI frameworks, and advanced GenAI solution patterns needed to solve a wide range of business problems.
• Support data preparation, enrichment, data quality checks, and alignment with enterprise data lifecycle practices including consumption, retention, and retirement.
• Develop analytical outputs, dashboards, and model insights using strong visualization and communication skills.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into actionable analytical tasks and model enhancements.
• Apply core statistical and machine learning methods, test hypotheses, and participate in improving the performance and reliability of deployed models.
• Work closely with senior data scientists and AI engineers to implement scalable and reusable components, follow MLOps practices, and ensure compliance with Responsible AI principles.
• Document work clearly and contribute to shared repositories, reusable assets, and internal best practices.
• Demonstrate adaptability and continuous upskilling in new AI technologies, low code tools, and productivity accelerators.

Essential Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience in Data Science & applied ML.
• Minimum 2-3 years in Gen AI application development and delivery.
• Hands on experience with Python, ML libraries, data processing frameworks, and Generative AI tools.
• Experience applying machine learning algorithms and analytical methods to real world business problems.
• Familiarity with LLMs, prompt design, embeddings, and retrieval components.
• Good understanding of data governance, data quality, and data lifecycle fundamentals.
• Experience with version control, testing, and basic MLOps workflows is preferred.
• Hands on experience with graph databases such as Neo4j and graph algorithms.

Desirable Requirement:

• Knowledge of vector databases.
• Strong grounding in traditional ML and deep learning algorithms.
• Change management awareness.
• Strong stakeholder engagement capability.
• High learning agility and curiosity.
• "Ready for anything" mindset is a must have.

You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook. https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

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.  

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: 
https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

Skills Desired

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biostatistics, Change Management, Curious Mindset, Data Governance, Data Literacy, Data Quality, Data Science, Data Visualization, Deep Learning, Graph Algorithms, Learning Agility, Logistic Regression Model, Machine Learning (ML), Machine Learning Algorithms, Nlp (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) And Genai, Pandas (Python), Python (Programming Language), R (Programming Language), Sql (Structured Query Language), Stakeholder Engagement, Statistical Analysis, Time Series Analysis

Experience Level

Senior Level