Associate Director, xRNA Therapeutics

 Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of highly talented scientists on the Cambridge site responsible to drive RNAi based therapies to patients via design, screening and characterization.
• Establishes mid- and long-term goals, plan of action and implementation for the local xRNA team in line with global strategy for xRNA and Biologics Research Center
• Develops and implements strategy for next generation extrahepatic RNAi for various disease areas including cardiometabolic, cardiovascular and neurological.
• Co-leads RNAi drug discovery and development in partnership in Global Discovery Chemistry and Disease Areas.
• Represents xRNA Therapeutics at the Cambridge site including handling the budget of the RNAi unit in collaboration with global counterparts in order to meet xRNA and BRC goals and objectives
• Ensures allocation of group resources according to portfolio and platform priorities.
• Sets strategy, implements and manages outsourcing for the local xRNA team.
• Collaborate with downstream development colleagues to bring lead candidates towards full development.
• Collaborates and coordinates activities with other global BRC and functional groups
• Offers innovative approaches to scientific questions and troubleshooting efforts.
• Identifies Disease Area’s unmet needs and collaborate for a novel therapeutic solution.

Role Requirements:

• PhD level scientist with 10 years of relevant experience, recognized both internally and externally as an expert in RNAi
• Prior experience with drug discovery focused on RNAi design, screening, and characterization
• Deep knowledge of RNAi chemistry and biology applied to lead optimization of therapeutic candidate
• A proven track record of success as judged by publications and patents
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, retain and develop diverse, and agile associates with different expertise, seniority and tasks to ensure long term talent development and succession planning.
• Background in leading and mentoring a research group consisting of associates of all levels and acting as a manager of mangers
• Knowledge in the application of RNAi to biology in the areas of neuroscience, cardiovascular and renal metabolic diseases is required
• Highly collaborative spirit to accelerate programs to clinic; good communication skills, creativity, and multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent, oral and written communication skills
• Experience with extrahepatic targeting of RNAi is a preferred

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $132,300-$245,700/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period.  Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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