Director, Portfolio Scientific Communications

As Director, Portfolio Scientific Communications at Novartis, you will shape the communication and education of emerging scientific evidence, enhancing HCP understanding of the data to improve patient care worldwide. This role supports a global therapeutic portfolio and is suited to experienced scientific communication leaders with deep expertise in Oncology or Neuroscience.

You will lead end‑to‑end scientific communication strategies - spanning scientific narrative development, publications, congresses, and medical education - working closely with clinical development, medical affairs, and external medical experts. Your work will directly improve clinical understanding and impact patient care.

Location: London, UK / Barcelona, Spain

Responsibilities:

• Lead end‑to‑end global scientific communication strategies across Oncology or Neuroscience portfolios.
• Define scientific narratives, statements, and lexicon aligned with therapeutic area and asset strategies.
• Develop and execute global publication plans across the asset lifecycle, ensuring quality, impact, and timeliness.
• Lead congress scientific communications, including data interpretation, narrative development, and global readiness activities.
• Partner with medical, development, research, and insights teams to deliver integrated scientific communication strategies.
• Provide matrix leadership to cross‑functional publication teams and external agency partners.
• Ensure compliance with publication, medical education, and regulatory standards across all scientific communication activities.
• Drive innovative approaches and pilots to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.
• Measure and track the impact of scientific communications, using insights to continuously refine strategy and execution.
• Manage agency relationships, budgets, and vendor performance to deliver high‑quality outcomes on time.

Essential for the role:

• Extensive experience in scientific communications within Oncology or Neuroscience in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Proven leadership in developing and executing global publication and medical education strategies across the asset lifecycle.
• Advanced scientific degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, or a related discipline.
• Strong ability to translate complex clinical data into clear, compelling scientific narratives for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success working in global, cross‑functional, matrix environments.
• Deep understanding of publication ethics, medical education standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance innovation, quality, compliance, and executional excellence.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills with strong stakeholder influencing capability.

Desirable for the role:

• Experience supporting assets across the life cycle within Oncology or Neuroscience portfolios.
• Experience leading global congress strategies and high‑impact scientific communication initiatives.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired: Agility, Clinical Practices, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Employee Development, Healthcare Sector Understanding, Health Sciences, Influencing Skills, Innovation, Inspirational Leadership, Integrated Evidence Generation, Medical Affairs, Medical Communication, Medical Education, Patient Care, People Management, Pharmaceutics, Priority Disease Areas Expertise, Product Launches, Product Strategy, Real World Evidence (RWE), Regulatory Compliance, Research Methodologies.