Global Head, Shared Instrument Services

Internal job title: Global Head Shared Instrument Services (Associate Director)

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite #LI-onsite

This role is based in Cambridge, MA.  Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

The Global Head, Shared Instrument Services will lead a global platform at the heart of Biomedical Research, shaping the future of Shared Instrument Services to redefine how advanced laboratory chemistry services accelerate scientific innovation.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the global Shared Instrument Services platform across Biomedical Research, ensuring reliable, standardized, and high-quality analytical operations and instrument support that enable consistent and reproducible data generation for a broad portfolio of research activities across sites and scientific modalities.
• Define and implement the SIS operating model, service strategy, and priorities in alignment with Biomedical Research needs, including platform scope, service offerings, roles and responsibilities, service governance, and future-state evolution of the platform.
• Ensure continuity and performance of centralized analytical operations supporting shared instrument platforms, including open-access and coordinated analytical services, with focus on service reliability, instrument availability, user experience, data quality, and operational consistency across locations.
• Oversee lifecycle management, maintenance strategy, and operational readiness of advanced laboratory instruments and enabling infrastructure, including analytical fleet sustainability, platform robustness, preventive and corrective maintenance, and mitigation of business continuity risks related to hardware, software, network, and supporting systems.
• Drive performance management and continuous improvement of the platform through clearly defined service levels, KPIs, issue management, root-cause resolution, and improvement plans to strengthen robustness, transparency, and operational effectiveness.
• Lead governance of external service providers, instrument vendors, and support partners to ensure high-quality and compliant service delivery, effective escalation and corrective action management, fit-for-purpose statements of work, and strong alignment between business requirements and third-party execution.
• Partner closely with scientific, operational, digital, facilities, procurement, and quality stakeholders to ensure SIS services remain aligned to evolving research priorities, site strategies, and new modality requirements, and to support efficient decision-making across a complex matrix environment.
• Translate platform needs into investment, resource, and transformation roadmaps, including capacity planning, prioritization of upgrades, automation opportunities, and modernization of systems, in order to sustain current operations while preparing the platform for future scientific demand.
• Establish and maintain a strong quality and compliance mindset across SIS operations, ensuring appropriate procedures, documentation, escalation practices, and service controls are in place to support reliable analytical output and disciplined operational execution.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and organizational direction to the SIS team and extended support network, fostering clear accountability, cross-site collaboration, capability build, and a service-oriented culture that balances operational excellence with scientific partnership.

Essential Requirements:

·  Advanced Scientific & Technical Background

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Sciences, Life Sciences or related field (or Master’s with equivalent experience)
• 10+ years of experience in laboratory operations or analytical platforms in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated research environment
• Strong expertise with advanced analytical chemistry (e.g., LC/MS, NMR, automated analytical systems) and understanding of scientific workflows

·  Global Lab Operations & Service Management Expertise

• Demonstrated experience designing, scaling, and managing standardized laboratory service operations across multiple sites or globally
• Proven track record in defining and managing SLAs, KPIs, and performance frameworks, with measurable impact on service quality and efficiency
• Strong capability in ensuring service continuity, reliability, and business resilience in complex operational environments

·  Leadership & Matrix Management

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing high-performing teams and/or global networks (direct and indirect reports)
• Proven ability to lead through influence in a matrix organization, including external partners and third-party providers
• Strong coaching and talent development mindset, fostering accountability, collaboration, and service excellence

·  Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Influence

• Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across scientific, digital, quality, procurement, and facility functions
• Strong customer orientation, with experience aligning service delivery to evolving scientific and modality needs
• Demonstrated ability to drive alignment and decision-making in complex, cross-functional environments

·  Vendor & Governance Management

• Significant experience managing external vendors and strategic partners within structured service delivery models
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, contracts (MSA/SOW), and performance management processes
• Ability to drive vendor performance, accountability, and continuous improvement through structured reviews and governance

Desirable Requirements:

·  Digital & Data Enablement

• Proven ability to leverage data and analytics to enhance operational transparency and decision-making
• Experience with laboratory informatics systems (e.g., LIMS), automation platforms, or instrument integration

·  Quality, Compliance & Regulated Environment

• Strong knowledge of GxP, data integrity principles, and quality systems supporting analytical operations
• Experience operating in highly regulated environments with audit/inspection exposure

The salary for this position is expected to range between $138,600 and $257,400 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.