Business Operations Lead, Discovery Sciences
Novartis
August 22, 2026
On-site
Cambridge, MA
Operations
Internal Job Title: Business Operations Lead
Position Location: Cambridge, MA (onsite)
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute and optimize the financial plan for the scientific strategy (ordering and financial administration); serve as SME for relevant tools/processes; financial acumen required.
- Resolve operational issues by enabling DSc scientists, including challenges involving financial data, vendor management, research collaborations, and people data.
- Deliver simplicity from complexity via report design and data management; provide clean, accessible, timely data on budget, lab resources, people, and compliance; proactively launch initiatives to fix data/operational issues and deliver new processes/programs.
- Work effectively in a matrix environment: build and maintain relationships with DSc researchers and BR Operations; coordinate with support functions and third-party vendors.
- Realize the technology strategy: manage planning, ordering, delivery, and realization of lab technologies (including integrated equipment systems).
- Support global departmental evolution by leading projects and designing operational programs aligned to department priorities.
Essential Requirements:
- B.S./M.S. in scientific or management discipline with 3+ years in business or lab operations; or 5+ years in biology/chemistry research with operational accountabilities.
- Strong problem-solving, collaboration, organizational skills, and attention to detail; solution-oriented with independent discretion/judgment in a global, highly matrixed environment.
- User-oriented mindset and experience supporting others; relationship-building track record.
- Strong information management and digital skills, including advanced knowledge of enterprise-level accounting, procurement, and collaboration software.
- Project management, operational excellence, and design thinking; ability to initiate/lead assignments and impact goals.
Desirable Requirements:
- Demonstrated ability to optimize business processes with AI tools.
- Creativity in operational tasks.
Position Location: Cambridge, MA (onsite)
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute and optimize the financial plan for the scientific strategy (ordering and financial administration); serve as SME for relevant tools/processes; financial acumen required.
- Resolve operational issues by enabling DSc scientists, including challenges involving financial data, vendor management, research collaborations, and people data.
- Deliver simplicity from complexity via report design and data management; provide clean, accessible, timely data on budget, lab resources, people, and compliance; proactively launch initiatives to fix data/operational issues and deliver new processes/programs.
- Work effectively in a matrix environment: build and maintain relationships with DSc researchers and BR Operations; coordinate with support functions and third-party vendors.
- Realize the technology strategy: manage planning, ordering, delivery, and realization of lab technologies (including integrated equipment systems).
- Support global departmental evolution by leading projects and designing operational programs aligned to department priorities.
Essential Requirements:
- B.S./M.S. in scientific or management discipline with 3+ years in business or lab operations; or 5+ years in biology/chemistry research with operational accountabilities.
- Strong problem-solving, collaboration, organizational skills, and attention to detail; solution-oriented with independent discretion/judgment in a global, highly matrixed environment.
- User-oriented mindset and experience supporting others; relationship-building track record.
- Strong information management and digital skills, including advanced knowledge of enterprise-level accounting, procurement, and collaboration software.
- Project management, operational excellence, and design thinking; ability to initiate/lead assignments and impact goals.
Desirable Requirements:
- Demonstrated ability to optimize business processes with AI tools.
- Creativity in operational tasks.