Translational Medicine Director/Associate*- Cardiovascular & Metabolic

Novartis BioMedical Research (BR) is the innovation engine of Novartis that collaborates across the company and beyond, focusing on powerful new technologies that have the potential to help produce therapeutic breakthroughs for patients. Translational Medicine (TM) is the clinical research arm of Novartis BR, and includes about 900 associates globally. TM plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative medicines to patients, by building on research advances to develop new therapies, and bridging drug discovery and clinical application.

The TM Discovery & Profiling (TMDP) is a group of physicians and clinical researchers who drive innovative science from discovery to the patient through the selection, profiling, and effective development of medicines. Translational medicine experts oversee Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials to demonstrate proof-of-mechanism and proof-of-concept (PoC) in patients, as well as support for later Phase 3 development. They are key and highly visible members of global cross-functional project teams that design and implement early research and discovery projects, culminating in clinical PoC studies. They collaborate with colleagues in biology and chemistry to identify targets in diseases with significant unmet medical needs and provide input on likely clinical development pathways. The early clinical trials led by our translational medicine experts are among the most critical steps in drug development at Novartis. After PoC and if the program proceeds to full development, the translational medicine expert continues as a key member of the full development team up to and including registration.

As a Cardiovascular Metabolism (CVM) TM Expert, you will collaborate with the CVM TM Head or other experienced TM Experts to develop high value decision-strategies for the Translational Medicine component of drug development projects and to lead global cross-functional project teams through the PoC phase and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead global project teams through PoC phase to drive implementation of the PoC strategy; participate in project teams through program life cycle from NTRC to registration.
• Responsible for clinical portions of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) through PoC.
• Act as medical monitor for one or more clinical studies.
• Communicate clinical team matters to project teams and relevant decision boards (such as the Disease Area Decision Board).
• Convene relevant (internal and external) leaders to consider proposed approach to PoC.
• Evaluate clinical centers and foster communication with crucial collaborating investigators.
• Oversee publication and external presentation of PoC clinical study results.
• Accountable for compound related biomarker strategies; work closely with biomarker experts in implementation.
• In collaboration with research scientists identify, develop and implement strategy for preclinical support of program related objectives; this includes assessment of medical need, proposal of clinical development pathways, and review of preclinical data for clinical implications and other relevant activities.
• Participate in team presentations to Health Authorities as TM Expert.

Essential Requirements:

• Doctoral degree, MD required with clinical subspecialty training preferred in cardiovascular disease or endocrinology/metabolic disease; Additional PhD/post-doctoral equivalent research preferred.
• At least 1-2 years’ experience in a pharmaceutical/biotech company, CRO, or academic medical center, or related experience; 5 plus years to be considered for Director level.
• Recognized for medical expertise.
• Recognized for scientific expertise and passion for science: respected by colleagues internally and externally, having made significant contributions to the field and created / established new concepts; record of high quality publications in international scientific journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication/presentation skills.
• Independence: Able to work independently on study planning and execution, and with supervision on project planning.
• Leadership of Collaborations: Able to lead multidisciplinary teams in a matrix organization.
• Innovation: Seeks out new clinical discovery opportunities and PoC approaches.
• Additional consideration for candidates with advanced research experience in data science, genetics/genomics, artificial intelligence applied to clinical research, or digital/wearable health science.
• Fluent oral and written English.

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.

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.

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.