Medical Director, Global Health (Translational Medicine)

This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer. Novartis has a long-term commitment to Global Health including communicable diseases like malaria and non-communicable diseases. Novartis first supported sickle cell disease (SCD) care over 50 years ago with the development of chelators for the management of iron overload. Treatment options have increased since then, but access to these treatments has not kept pace. In contrast to the US, it is estimated that 50-90% of infants born in Africa with SCD will die in childhood.

Novartis BioMedical Research (BR) is the innovation engine of Novartis that collaborates across the company and beyond, focusing on powerful new technologies that have the potential to help produce therapeutic breakthroughs for patients. Translational Medicine (TM) is the clinical research arm of BR and includes about 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.

The TM Discovery & Profiling (TMDP) is a group of physicians and clinical researchers who drive innovative science from discovery to the patient through the selection, profiling, and effective development of medicines. Translational medicine experts oversee Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials to demonstrate early safety and efficacy, as well as support for Phase 3 development through clinical pharmacology profiling studies. They are key and highly visible members of global cross-functional project teams that design and implement early research and discovery projects, culminating in clinical trials.

As a TM Expert for Global Health, you will collaborate with the Therapeutic Area Head or other experienced TM Experts to develop high-value decision strategies for the Translational Medicine component of drug development projects and lead global cross-functional project teams. This is a hybrid role requiring on-site presence at the Westworks London office three days a week.

Key Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with research scientists identify, develop and implement strategy for preclinical support of program related objectives; this includes assessment of medical need, proposal of clinical development pathways, and review of preclinical data for clinical implications and other relevant activities.
• Lead global project teams through early phase development, participate in project teams through program life cycle.
• Responsible for clinical portions of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) through Transition Decision Point (TDP).
• Act as medical monitor for one or more clinical studies.
• Communicate clinical team matters to project teams and relevant decision boards (Disease Area Decision Board).
• Convene relevant (internal and external) leaders to consider proposed approach to development.
• Evaluate clinical centers and foster communication with crucial collaborating investigators.
• Oversee publication and external presentation of clinical study results.
• Accountable for compound related biomarker strategies; work closely with biomarker experts in implementation.
• Participate in team presentations to Health Authorities as TM Expert.

Essential Requirements:

• Doctoral degree, MD required with clinical subspecialty training preferred in one of the following areas: Hematology or Pediatrics with Sickle Cell expertise; Additional PhD/post-doctoral equivalent research preferred as well as board-certification in relevant subspecialty area.
• At least 1-2 years' experience in a pharmaceutical/biotech company, CRO, or academic medical center, or related experience; 5 plus years to be considered for Director level.
• Demonstrated interest/experience in Global Health.
• Recognized for medical expertise.
• Recognized for scientific expertise: respected by colleagues internally and externally, have made significant contributions to the field and created/established new concepts; record of high-quality publications in international scientific journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication/presentation skills.
• Independence: Able to work independently on study planning and execution, and with supervision on project planning.
• Leadership of Collaborations: Able to lead multidisciplinary teams in a matrix organization.
• Innovation: Seeks out new clinical discovery opportunities and PoC approaches.
• Additional consideration for candidates with advanced research experience in data science.
• Demonstrated passion for science.

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. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us!

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.