Director, Oncology Translational Research in Cambridge

This role is a key scientific leader and integral part of the Oncology Translational Research global leadership team accountable for overseeing the generation and integration of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data to deepen our understanding of cancer biology and guide the development of multiple therapeutic modalities (i.e. low molecular weight molecules, radioligand therapies, biologics, CAR‑T). This role will lead both forward and reverse translational research for preclinical and clinical oncology programs, including exploratory clinical biomarker development of high‑plex molecular assays. As a senior leader, this role will interface extensively with drug discovery, oncology data sciences, early clinical development, and late‑stage development, including the Clinical Innovation team who oversees regulated biomarker assays for clinical decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Directs successful translation of pre‑clinical research to human clinical trials, leveraging learnings from genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of both preclinical models and patient samples.
• Guides exploratory biomarker plan design and strategy for early‑stage Translational Clinical Oncology (TCO) and Global Drug Development (GDD) trials, serving as a core member of the Biomarker Review Committee.
• Integrates pre‑clinical and emerging clinical efficacy and biomarker data to understand cancer biology and mechanisms of response and resistance to therapy in patients.
• Leverages quantitative/computational background to collaborate effectively with Oncology Data Science to analyze high‑dimensional preclinical and clinical data to guide clinical decisions and inform research strategy.
• Explores and onboards innovative technologies to advance translational research and new biomarker development.
• Responsible for quality and compliance of exploratory molecular biomarker assays.
• Interfaces closely with late‑stage clinical development to enable translational research and development of regulated biomarker assays.
• Leads a team responsible for driving genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic preclinical and clinical data creation, enabling Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) modeling, and generating actionable insights.
• Develops talent by being a mentor, coach, and educational resource.
• Member of the Oncology Translational Research global leadership team and responsible for representing leadership at senior levels/disease boards and other internal/external forums.

Essential Requirements

• This position will be located at the Cambridge, MA site and will not have the ability to be located remotely.
• This position will require 10% travel as defined by the business (domestic and/or international).
• M.D., Ph.D. or comparable doctoral degree in a relevant discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotech‑based company or as a leader in academia ideally with multiple years in a matrixed leadership role.
• Outstanding scientific depth and breadth with a demonstrated track record of high‑impact publications in the field of oncology and/or molecular pathology.
• Strong leadership presence and the ability to develop talent; demonstrated ability to lead and influence.
• Experience working with senior leaders (unit heads, board members), while equally comfortable collaborating with junior associates.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Must have a strong quantitative/computational background and broad scientific/technical knowledge base in the area of oncology, including a solid track record of innovation.

Preferred Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership and a strong track record of accomplishments within the fields of oncology and molecular pathology (typically >6 years).
• Completion of a Molecular Genetic Pathology fellowship with board certification from the American Board of Pathology or American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Salary Range

$204,400.00 - $379,600.00

Benefits

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.

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired

• Analytical Thinking
• Bioinformatics
• Clinical Data Management
• Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Data Analysis
• Detail‑Oriented
• Drug Discovery
• Ethics
• Genomics
• Global Project Management
• Laboratory
• Leadership
• Lifesciences
• Management
• Medical Research
• Molecular Pathology
• Omics
• Oncology
• Organization
• Problem Solving Skills
• Regulatory Compliance
• Reports Writing