At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global safety strategies in neuroscience and transform patient outcomes.
- Company: Join Novartis, a diverse employer committed to innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on community and breakthrough innovations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health and shape the future of neuroscience safety.
- Qualifications: Medical degree or equivalent, with extensive experience in drug development and safety.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Step into a career-defining opportunity where your leadership can transform patient outcomes on a global scale! As our Global Program Safety Team Lead in Neuroscience, you'll be the driving force behind our Medical Safety organization, championing innovative safety strategies and steering our development programs toward breakthrough results. In this pivotal role, your expertise as a safety clinician will empower you to anticipate and navigate complex safety challenges, influence high-stakes decisions, and inspire teams to achieve excellence. Your vision and strategic insight will shape the future of neuroscience safety at Novartis, making a lasting impact for patients worldwide.
About the Role
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Working Model: #LI-Hybrid Hybrid (12 days per month on-site)
Alternate Location: London (The Westworks), United Kingdom
Working model(s): #LI-Hybrid Hybrid (12 days per month on-site if living within 50 miles of our London office) #LI-Remote Remote (if living beyond 50 miles of our London office)
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage an efficient and successful disease area within the Therapeutic Area (TA)/Development Unit (DU) Medical Safety organization, which provides robust medical and science-driven contribution to Benefit-Risk evaluation throughout product lifecycle to enable Novartis to provide impactful medicines to patients worldwide.
- Enhance scientific and clinical experience of Medical Safety physicians/scientists through continuous training and coaching.
- Prepare safety objectives and evaluate and manage performance of the Medical Safety associates within the TA/DU.
- Identify talents and high potential associates and defend and discuss in front of leadership team.
- Together with associates identify career development opportunities and support associates in their career path.
- Provide expert safety input to the clinical development program for assigned projects/products and be an active member of the Global Program Team (GPT), Global Clinical Team (GCT) and Clinical Trial Team (CTT).
- Responsible for safety issue management from formation of Global Program Team (GPT) through Life Cycle Management.
- Responsible for overall signal detection, monitoring, evaluation, interpretation and appropriate management of safety information, based on information from all relevant line functions, post-marketing data, and other sources.
- Responsible for documentation/tracking/record keeping of the assigned compounds medical safety activities and for responses to inquiries from regulatory authorities or health care professionals on safety issues.
- Lead the preparation of the safety strategy for health authority responses and strategy, in collaboration with other project team members.
- Contribute to and often lead the development of departmental and functional/business unit goals and objectives.
- Deputise for Development Unit Head of Neuroscience as required.
Essential Requirements:
- Medical Degree or equivalent (preferred), PhD, PharmD or equivalent graduate level health care professional degree required. Specialty Board certification desirable.
- 5 years clinical experience postdoctoral.
- At least 7 years progressive experience in drug development in a major pharmaceutical company (of which 5 years in a global position), including 5 years in safety at a medical position.
- Expertise in preparing or contributing to preparation of clinical safety assessments and regulatory reports/submissions involving safety information - to include NDA submission documents.
- Strong experience in leading cross-functional, multicultural teams.
- Strong experience with (safety or others) issue management.
- Strong experience in drug development, clinical trial methodology, regulatory requirements, scientific methodology, statistics and writing of publication.
- Strong leadership skills including coaching, motivating and directing, and fostering teamwork. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, superiors and peers.
Beneficial skills and knowledge:
- Post graduate degree in Pharmaceutical Medicine; Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (or equivalent).
- Strong negotiation and conflict management skills.
- Strong experience with medical writing and delivering high quality documents such as RMPs, PSURs.
Languages: Fluent English (both spoken and written) is mandatory. Additional languages are an advantage.
Closing date for applications: 06 February 2026
Accessibility and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and help us reimagine medicine for millions of patients worldwide.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Global Program Safety Team Lead employer: Novartis
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that champions diversity and fosters a collaborative work culture. As the Global Program Safety Team Lead in Basel, Switzerland, you will not only have the opportunity to lead innovative safety strategies but also benefit from continuous professional development and a supportive environment that values your contributions. With a hybrid working model and a commitment to employee well-being, Novartis is dedicated to helping you thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Program Safety Team Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those at Novartis or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Novartis' values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who genuinely cares about their mission and can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Global Program Safety Team Lead. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve tackled safety challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Novartis team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Program Safety Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Program Safety Team Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in drug development and safety, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about neuroscience and how your background aligns with Novartis' mission. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success. We’re all about results, so show us what you’ve accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of drug development and safety protocols. Familiarise yourself with Novartis' recent projects in neuroscience and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Global Program Safety Team Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams and navigated complex safety challenges in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about potential safety issues you might encounter and how you would manage them, showcasing your strategic insight and decision-making process.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Novartis values inclusivity and collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you foster teamwork and support diverse perspectives within your teams. Highlight any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to creating an inclusive work environment.