At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative neurodegeneration programs and shape translational strategies in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in transforming medicine and improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and comprehensive wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neurodegenerative diseases while mentoring future scientific talent.
- Qualifications: MD and PhD with 10+ years in translational medicine and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 50850 - 223801 £ per year.
As the Head of Neurodegeneration within Translational Medicine, you will serve as a senior scientific and strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the translational strategy for neurodegenerative therapeutic programs. You will provide expert guidance bridging research, early clinical development, and biomarker/experimental medicine innovation to advance assets from discovery through proof-of-concept and into full development.
In addition, you will lead or integrate global, cross‑functional teams to design, implement, and execute cutting‑edge translational strategies, and act as an influential thought partner in neurodegenerative disease biology, clinical development, and emerging therapeutic modalities.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Scientific Direction: Define and oversee the long‑term translational strategy for the Neurodegeneration Pillar, ensuring scientific excellence and alignment with broader BR and TM organizational priorities. Serve as a senior advisor and thought leader within neurodegeneration disorders, leveraging deep specialty expertise to inform program design, biomarker strategy, and patient‑relevant endpoints.
- Program & Portfolio Leadership: Lead global translational teams across Phase I–IIa ("Discovery" through TDP), driving implementation of high‑quality development strategies in single or multiple neurodegeneration indications. Represent TM on global program teams (GPT) and decision boards, ensuring that neurodegeneration programs meet quality, regulatory, and differentiation objectives.
- Translational & Clinical Development Excellence: Lead the design and execution of First‑in‑Human (FIH) and Phase IIa studies, working collaboratively with clinical, regulatory, biomarker, and profiling partners. Lead the creation of clinical components of key documents e.g., Clinical Trial Protocols (CTPs), Investigator’s Brochures, Clinical Study Reports (CSRs), regulatory documents etc. with high levels of quality and consistency.
- Leadership of People, Culture, and Matrix Teams: Serve as a culture champion, promoting empowerment, innovation, and collaboration across TM and broader BR organizations. Mentor and develop scientific talent across translational and clinical functions.
- External Impact & Partnerships: Lead interactions with external stakeholders (e.g., regulatory authorities, key opinion leaders, data monitoring committees, advisory boards etc.) and internal NVS stakeholders. Contribute to opportunity assessments and due diligence for neurodegeneration and adjacent therapeutic areas.
Essential Requirements
- MD and PhD required with clinical subspecialty training in neurological diseases with deep expertise in neurodegeneration disorders.
- A minimum of 10+ years of extensive experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics.
- Demonstrated success leading complex global programs and cross‑functional scientific teams.
- Proven ability to shape development strategies, execute early clinical studies, and influence regulatory/packages supporting differentiation.
- Experience working in pharmaceutical/biotech company strongly preferred.
Desirable Requirements
- Direct people management experience.
Benefits & Rewards
At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: £120,508.50 - £223,801.50 GBP. The base salary offered is determined based on gender‑neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance‑based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.
Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Head of Neurodegeneration, Translational Medicine in London employer: Novartis UK
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. As a Global Financial Controls & Compliance Process Experts Senior Manager, you will benefit from competitive compensation, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning and development opportunities. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare while enjoying a diverse and inclusive environment that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Neurodegeneration, Translational Medicine in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Neurodegeneration, Translational Medicine in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Novartis UK that you have the hands-on skills they need.
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Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis UK
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Novartis UK. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
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Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
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