Associate Director, Solution Architecture & Integration

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Job Description Summary

Working Model: Hybrid

Division: Development Data, Digital & IT (DDIT)

Function: Global Clinical Operations (GCO)

About the Role

At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine through data, digital, AI, and advanced technologies. We are seeking an experienced Associate Director, Clinical Solution Architecture - AI & Digital Platforms to lead the design and delivery of innovative technology solutions supporting Global Clinical Operations.

This role sits at the intersection of clinical business transformation, enterprise architecture, AI innovation, and digital platform engineering. You will partner with business leaders, product teams, engineers, data experts, and security specialists to architect scalable, secure, compliant, and future-ready solutions that accelerate clinical development and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in enterprise solution architecture, integration architecture, cloud platforms, digital products, and emerging AI technologies, with the ability to translate complex business requirements into practical technology solutions.

Job Description

Solution & Enterprise Architecture

• Design end-to-end technology solutions supporting Global Clinical Operations and broader Development business capabilities.
• Create architecture blueprints, solution designs, integration strategies, and technical specifications that support scalable and sustainable delivery.
• Ensure solution alignment with enterprise architecture standards, security requirements, quality expectations, and technology roadmaps.
• Provide technical leadership throughout the solution lifecycle, from concept through implementation and operational support.

AI & Digital Platforms

• Design and govern AI-enabled solutions leveraging Machine Learning, Generative AI, intelligent automation, and advanced analytics platforms.
• Define architecture patterns for modern AI capabilities including large language models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), vector databases, AI agents, orchestration frameworks, and intelligent workflow automation.
• Partner with AI platform, engineering, and security teams to ensure solutions are scalable, secure, explainable, compliant, and operationally sustainable.
• Evaluate new technologies and provide recommendations on build, buy, or partner approaches.

Integration, Cloud & Technology Strategy

• Architect enterprise integrations across APIs, event-driven platforms, cloud-native services, data platforms, and SaaS ecosystems.
• Lead architecture reviews, technical assessments, and technology evaluations for strategic initiatives.
• Drive adoption of reusable architecture patterns, security-by-design principles, and AI-ready technology frameworks.
• Support governance activities, architecture approvals, risk assessments, and compliance reviews.

Stakeholder Leadership

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, product owners, engineering teams, delivery leaders, and external partners.
• Influence technology direction and architecture decisions across multiple business functions and technology domains.
• Contribute to strategic technology planning and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience in solution architecture, enterprise architecture, application architecture, or technology consulting.
• Proven experience designing and delivering complex enterprise-scale solutions involving applications, integrations, cloud platforms, and data ecosystems.
• Strong knowledge of integration architecture, API management, cloud technologies, and modern software engineering practices.
• Experience with AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, intelligent automation, conversational AI, or advanced analytics platforms.
• Understanding of AI architecture patterns, LLMs, RAG, vector databases, AI agents, and model orchestration frameworks.
• Experience working with commercial software platforms (SaaS/COTS) within enterprise environments.
• Strong understanding of architecture governance, security, data privacy, risk management, and solution lifecycle management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with experience influencing both technical and business audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within Life Sciences, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Clinical Development, or other regulated environments.
• Knowledge of Computer System Validation (CSV), GxP controls, and regulatory technology requirements.
• Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks and modelling techniques such as TOGAF and ArchiMate.
• Experience using architecture repository and portfolio management tools such as LeanIX, ADOIT, Bizzdesign, or equivalent.
• Relevant cloud architecture certifications (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• AI or Generative AI architecture certifications.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in professionals currently working as:

• Lead Solution Architect
• Integration Architect
• Cloud Solution Architect
• Technology Architect
• AI Solutions Architect
• Clinical Technology Architect

from Life Sciences, Healthcare, Technology, Consulting, SaaS, Cloud, Financial Services, or other large-scale enterprise environments.

Why Join Novartis?

Join a team that is transforming how clinical operations leverage data, digital platforms, and AI to accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes worldwide. You will have the opportunity to influence strategic technology decisions, work with cutting-edge AI capabilities, and help shape the future of digital clinical development.

Skills Desired