Chief Data Steward: Governance, Anonymization&Quality, Basel

Summary Location: Basel, Switzerland

3 days/week in office

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

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 a 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, excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, and 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

Commitment to Diversity&Inclusion We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Why Novartis? Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: our Novartis Network If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to learn more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: and Accommodation Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e‑mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

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