Global Head, Neuroscience Translational Medicine

Novartis BioMedical Research (BR) is the innovation engine of Novartis. We collaborate across scientific and organization boundaries, focusing on powerful new technologies that have the potential to help produce therapeutic breakthroughs from patients. Within BR, Translational Medicine (TM) is the clinical research arm and includes over 900 associates globally. TM plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative medicines to patients, by building on research advances to develop new therapies, and bridging drug discovery and clinical application.

Within TM, TM Discovery & Profiling (TMDP) is a group of about 65 physicians and clinical researchers who drive that innovative science from discovery to the patient through the selection, profiling, and effective development of medicines. Translational Medicine Experts (TME’s) oversee Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials to demonstrate proof of concept in patients, creating the case for drugs to proceed to late-stage development and registration. TME’s are also responsible for Phase 3 clinical pharmacology and mechanistic studies. Overall, TM and NIBR deliver about half of the final drug dossier or label information.

As the Global Head TM Neuroscience, you will lead a team of TME’s responsible for all early clinical development plans and studies through Proof of Concept, new disease indications, translational research and profiling activities, and clinical pharmacology studies for the Neuroscience Therapeutic Area. You will be a member of the global Translational Medicine Leadership Team, accountable for overall department goals, helping to lead continuous improvement across the department, and enhancing the culture of TM. You will also be a key bridge between NS Research and late phase development and commercial colleagues across the Neuroscience Franchise in Novartis.

Your major accountabilities will be to:
• Set, communicate and drive strategy for the NS Translational Medicine Therapeutic Area in alignment with the broader organization
• Be accountable for setting the biomarker strategy for your group
• Prioritize and allocate resources across the team to meet portfolio needs
• Co-chair the Disease Area Decision Board with the Research Disease Area Head to decide on targets, compounds, and indications to progress from preclinical ideas to clinical testing
• Deliver clear early development study outcomes for decisions on new compounds
• Collaborate with Development colleagues to agree on indications and on transitional development point criteria
• Support Translational Medicine Experts on Development teams after Proof-of-Concept to deliver clinical pharmacology and mechanistic studies
• Bring relevant internal and external opinion leaders together to consider the proposed approach to Clinical Proof-of-Concept
• Ensure seamless collaboration across Research, Translational Medicine, Development, and other relevant line functions in the development of drug candidates. Work closely and effectively with other TA TM Heads to foster collaborations and lead to cross-DA indication expansion PoC opportunities
• Foster strong external clinical collaborations to maintain state of the art clinical approaches
• Contribute senior level expertise to Strategic Alliances, Business Development and Licensing due diligence reviews for in licensing and out licensing opportunities
• Provide or review Translational Medicine input to meetings and interactions with Health Authorities
• Develop talent pipeline through recruitment activities and being a mentor, coach, and educational resource across Novartis responsible for quality of clinical protocols, study reports and submission documents

The position can be based in Cambridge, MA USA or Basel, Switzerland. This position will require 25% travel as defined by the business (domestic and/or international).

Minimum Requirements

What you will bring to this role:

Education:
• MD or MD/PhD, or MD with doctoral thesis in relevant field (Neurology or Neuroscience)
• Board certification in Neurology or related field. Subspecialty clinical training in Neurodegenerative disorders (preferred) or related subspecialty with appropriate Board Certification(s)

Languages:
• Fluent English, strong written and oral communication skills

Experience:

• Leadership position in pharmaceutical/biotech industry or academic medical center combining scientific and medical subspecialty skills, maintaining state-of-the-art clinical approaches and inspiring a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and quality.

• Significant clinical experience with patients with Neurological disease.

• Experience driving translational clinical research from first in human studies through proof of concept.

• Experience leading in a matrixed environment successfully supporting and influencing experts, scientists and project deliveries across many functions of Research, Development and Commercial

• Strategic thinker, used to creating major innovations, networking with leading investigators, presenting complex strategic issues in a clear and logical way and driving impactful outcomes

• Natural ability to manage people, and lead leaders of others; able to provide mentoring at the highest levels including those outside of your own scientific/clinical expertise.

• Strong program manager: excellent planning, prioritization, problem solving and organizational skills

• Resilient, energetic and enthusiastic; responding constructively to challenging new ideas and inputs

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.