Senior Imaging Expert (Dual Level Posting) in Cambridge

The Biomarker Development (BMD) group at Novartis is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist or Associate Director to join our Clinical Imaging and Analytics team and provide strategic, scientific, technical and operational leadership on the optimal use of imaging in drug development. Be part of an imaging department with deep expertise in structural, molecular, and quantitative biomarkers and their application in translation and development.

The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership across Oncology (including Radioligand Imaging), Neuroscience, Cardiovascular/Renal/Metabolic, and emerging precision medicine initiatives, including xRNA programs and novel tracer development. You will partner with clinical trial teams to establish the role of imaging endpoints along novel biological mechanisms across diverse therapeutic areas. The role offers a wide view of programs across various stages as they transition from research to early development, and subsequently to PhII/III trials. As a part of building imaging endpoints, the role also provides unique exposure to a variety of other critical biomarkers (soluble and genetics) for an integrated view of identifying unique patient populations, assess target engagement and generate decision-critical readouts of efficacy, safety and mechanism of action.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as an internal expert in molecular and clinical imaging, including PET, SPECT and other advanced imaging methodologies relevant to clinical and translational drug development.
• Partner with Oncology and General Medicine teams to develop and lead fit-for-purpose imaging strategies across research, early development and late-stage clinical development.
• Develop imaging biomarker, target engagement and translational imaging strategies that generate decision-critical evidence for patient selection, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety and mechanism of action.
• Collaborate with internal operational teams, imaging CROs, academic centres and external experts to design, execute and interpret imaging readouts across multisite clinical trials.
• Ensure quality and timely execution of imaging trials to deliver critical drug development decisions; be agile and responsive to clinical teams during the course of design, execution and interpretation of imaging trials.
• Evaluate and implement novel imaging techniques, quantitative methodologies, AI-enabled analytics and imaging platform capabilities, to improve portfolio decision making.

Essential Requirements:

• PhD or MD or MD/PhD with 8+ years of experience in PET/SPECT Imaging in academia or industry, including at least 5 years supporting clinical drug development.
• Deep technical expertise in PET and/or SPECT as applied to clinical drug development.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design, endpoint development, biomarker strategy, statistical considerations and clinical data flow is required.
• Experience with clinical protocol writing across line functions is required.
• Experience with PET/SPECT tracer development, radioligand imaging, dosimetry, receptor occupancy or clinical Radioligand/Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RLT/RPT) is a plus.
• Experience in regulatory interactions, submissions, first-in-human imaging studies, endpoint validation or qualification is a plus.
• Understanding of sites, budgets, imaging CROs, imaging data standards and experience with multisite trial execution is a plus.
• Demonstrated track record of innovative research preferably across imaging modalities.
• Proactive, self-motivated and independent working style; comfortable operating in a multidisciplinary and highly matrixed organization.
• Ability to drive for results with urgency, accountability and sound judgment while balancing scientific quality and portfolio priorities.
• Strong communication skills in English, with demonstrated ability to influence, mentor and act as a collaborative servant leader.

This is a dual level posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered.

The salary for this position is expected to range between:

• Senior Principal Scientist: $132,300 and $245,700 per year.
• Associate Director: $145,600 and $270,400 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

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, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Ethics, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Mentorship, Patient Care, Science, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management.

Location: Cambridge (USA)

Type: Full time