Senior Clinical Trial Leader - Translational Medicine

We are seeking a Senior Clinical Sciences Trial Leader to join Clinical Sciences & Innovation (CSI) – Translational Medicine in our London office. This is a senior role with responsibility for the scientific and operational leadership of complex, global early phase clinical trials, from first in human through to early proof of concept.

As a Senior Trial Leader, you will be accountable for the design, planning and delivery of high quality clinical studies, leading global cross functional trial teams and ensuring robust, interpretable data to support key portfolio decisions. You will work closely with Medical Leads and functional partners, taking ownership of study level decisions and execution in a fast paced, scientifically driven environment.

This role is well suited to an experienced Trial Leader who thrives as a hands on study leader, enjoys building strong, effective teams around their studies, and is motivated to continue growing their own capabilities while positively influencing how colleagues work together.

Position is based at the Westworks London office, with flexibility to work remotely for up to two days a week. Domestic and international travel may be required to support investigator meetings, study team engagement and trial oversight. Work permit support cannot be offered for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and operational leadership for assigned global early‑phase clinical trials, with a focus on medium‑ to high‑complexity studies.
• Accountable for end‑to‑end study delivery from study design through to final reporting.
• Independently lead the clinical protocol development process, serving as author for protocols and related documents in close collaboration with Medical Leads and cross‑functional partners.
• Drive study feasibility assessment and operational execution planning to ensure studies are scientifically robust and operationally deliverable.
• Lead and coordinate global, cross‑functional Clinical Trial Teams (CTTs), fostering effective collaboration and alignment across functions and geographies.
• Forecast and manage study budgets in partnership with functional colleagues and vendors.
• Lead the ongoing scientific and medical review of clinical trial data, including safety trend analysis, signal detection and interpretation of emerging results.
• Contribute to Clinical Study Reports (CSRs), internal decision documents, publications and external scientific communications.
• Share lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of trial delivery and ways of working within CSI and Translational Medicine.
• Act as a positive role model within study teams, supporting effective team dynamics, knowledge sharing and high standards of scientific and operational excellence.

Expected Prior Experience / Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or healthcare required; advanced degree (MSc, PhD, PharmD, MD or equivalent) preferred.
• Demonstrated experience acting as Clinical Scientist or Study Leader for global clinical trials, with ~6+ years’ experience in clinical trials and/or development.
• Strong experience in protocol development, study design and clinical data interpretation, with the ability to operate across therapeutic areas.
• Proven ability to lead and influence study teams in a matrix environment, building strong working relationships and driving delivery through collaboration.
• Comfortable operating with a high degree of personal ownership and accountability, navigating ambiguity and making informed study‑level decisions.
• A clear growth mindset, with interest in developing own capabilities and contributing positively to team effectiveness and the wider CSI culture.
• Solid understanding of ICH‑GCP, regulatory requirements and high‑quality clinical trial conduct.

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.