Biomarker Therapeutic Area Head -Neuroscience

Salary Range: CHF169,400.00 - CHF314,600.00 Job Description Summary #LI-Hybrid Location: Basel Bringing life-changing medicines to millions of people, Novartis sits at the intersection of cutting-edge medical science and innovative digital technology. As a global company, the resources and opportunities for growth and development are plentiful including global and local cross functional careers, a diverse learning suite of thousands of programs & an in-house marketplace for rotations & project work. With strong medicines pipeline our current transformation will not just deliver growth for our business but continue to allow us to bring innovative medicines to patients quickly. Biomarkers are critical components of translational research, enabling robust therapeutic and mechanistic hypothesis testing in early clinical development, and as precision medicine enablers e.g. defining patient subpopulations, predicting patient responses, and use as diagnostics. The Therapeutic Area Head (TABH) in Biomarker Development (BMD) in Translational Medicine, partners with other Disease area, Translational Medicine, Global Development, and Commercial leadership for the development and implementation of innovative, complex, exploratory biomarker strategies, independent of clinical program stage, and provides an effective interface for transitioning projects to later stage development. The BMD TABH leads and develops a dedicated group of biomarker project team leads (BML) and therapeutic area biomarker leads (TABL) to develop and oversee clinical project strategies, plans and timelines Job Description Key Responsibilities: Key leader to identify, develop, and drive disease, mechanistic biology, translational pharmacology and precision medicine approaches for the Neuroscience and DARe (Diseases of Aging and Regenerative medicine) portfolio, leveraging diverse biomarker modalities e.g. genetics, genomics, proteins, cells, imaging, digital devices and technology/data science strategies Strategic decision-making and executive oversight in indication / patient selection, biomarker strategy formulation, and investigations into drug mechanisms of action Responsible for delivering clinical project and disease biology “fit for purpose” biomarker strategies/plans across the Neuroscience and DARe (Diseases of Aging and Regenerative medicine) portfolio and leading reviews at Disease Area Decision Boards (DADBs), Biomarker Forum, Biomarker and Diagnostic Review Committee, TDSCs and governance boards Leads, mentors and develops a dedicated group of biomarker project team leads (BML) and therapeutic area biomarker leads (TABL) to develop and oversee clinical project strategies, plans and timelines Provides Novartis disease biomarker leadership internally and externally to drive innovative mid-long term disease area initiatives/consortium across biomarker/clinical study designs, endpoints, diagnostics and discovery strategies Provides insight into optimal selection of exploratory, “fit for purpose” and validated biomarkers (across modalities e.g. genetic, genomic, soluble, cellular, imaging, digital) to address clinical and biological mechanism questions, trial endpoints and identify responsive patient subpopulations Works in close collaboration with other functions in Biomedical Research and Development (e.g. TMDP, CSI, PKS, PCS, RA, DDCI, DAs and DUs) to provide expertise, optimize portfolio value and issue resolution Responsible for high-quality contributions and review of study protocols, clinical study reports, Integrated Development Plans, and Clinical Pharmacology Plans Supports high quality internal and regulatory submissions/decisions e.g. proof of concept/mechanism, dose selection/escalation, safety and competitive differentiation claims Attends meetings with external parties including investigators, outside experts, and health authorities, as needed Essential Requirements: PhD and/or MD desirable with broad biology/technology knowledge in the clinical biomarker field; medical and/or clinical genetics experience desired Deep expertise in drug development Substantial impactful experience working in Pharma and/or biotechnology R&D business functions, leading internal and external high performing diverse teams and matrix organizations Scientific excellence and clinical expertise in neurodegeneration, neuroimmunology, neuromuscular and neurogenetic diseases/biology evidenced by significant contributions to the field Demonstrated technical and scientific expertise in multiple areas for development of innovative biomarker solutions with experience in working across key modalities (eg xRNA, AAV, biotherapeutics and small molecules) Well-developed interpersonal skills with good presence and ability to influence and negotiate with senior leadership, experienced presenter and communicator Strong track record of people leadership Recognized internally and internationally externally by key stakeholders; in depth understanding of external environment/trends; develops a strong professional network Fluent in oral and written English; other languages e.g. German, French, Italian useful but not required 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: 169,400.00 - 314,600.00 CHF Annual 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. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process. 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. Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process. 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. Accessibility and accommodation 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 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message. Skills Desired Accountability, Biotechnology, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Data Science, Decision Making, Drug Development, Influencing Skills, Leadership, Medical Research, Mentorship, Molecular Biology, Process Simulation, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Leadership