Director - Immunology Therapeutic Area Biomarker Lead (TABL)

Novartis seeks a Director - Immunology Therapeutic Area Biomarker Lead (TABL) in Basel, Switzerland, to lead biomarker strategy across clinical projects. The role requires a PhD in Life Sciences, 5+ years in pharma/biotech, and expertise in translational biomarker science for immunological diseases. The position offers a hybrid work model and competitive compensation including base salary, bonus, equity, and benefits.

This role serves as the scientific, strategic, and tactical leader for biomarker initiatives at the project level, driving impactful strategies that support clinical decision-making. The Director will coordinate with clinical study leads and biomarker experts to define, implement, and contextualize biomarker plans, while leading a matrixed team to align stakeholders across the portfolio. They will also contribute to translational data science efforts and represent the Biomarker Development Department in disease area initiatives, advancing precision medicine and mechanistic biology for immunology and general medicine.

Responsibilities

• Lead biomarker strategy at project, indication, and study levels, coordinating with clinical study leads and biomarker experts.
• Manage a matrixed team of biomarker specialists and project representatives to align stakeholders on biomarker plans across the portfolio.
• Own the full lifecycle of biomarker strategy — from concept and endorsement to implementation, delivery, and contextualization.
• Communicate biomarker findings to external audiences through abstracts and peer-reviewed publications.
• Co-lead translational data science groups integrating molecular and clinical data to identify new indications, patient subgroups, and endpoints.
• Provide thought leadership with other TABLs to foster innovation across immunology and general medicine portfolios.
• Represent the Biomarker Development Department in disease area initiatives and consortia to advance precision medicine and exploratory biomarkers.
• Collaborate with the global BMD organization, which includes over 100 experts in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, digital devices, imaging, and data sciences.

Requirements

• PhD in Life Sciences required.
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience in pharma or biotech, working on clinical trials.
• Scientific expertise in immunological diseases within translational and biomarker research.
• Proven experience using biomarkers for clinical decision-making, including pharmacodynamics, efficacy, disease deconvolution, response characterization, patient stratification, and precision medicine.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate omics data (e.g., genetics, genomics, proteomics) in clinical contexts, collaborating with research, data science, and clinical development teams.
• Record of high-quality scientific publications.
• Prior experience in a similar role within pharma, biotech, CRO, or academic medical center.
• Track record of leading multidisciplinary matrix teams across pharma, academia, or commercial functions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience influencing senior leadership and presenting complex data.
• Fluent in written and spoken English; additional languages (German, French, Italian) are beneficial but not required.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in German, French, or Italian is advantageous but not mandatory.

What the company offers

• Expected annual base salary range: 142,100.00 – 263,900.00 CHF.
• Eligibility for a performance-based bonus based on predefined criteria.
• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs.
• Flexible hybrid work model, where feasible.
• Minimum 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Long-term equity awards may be included as part of the compensation package.

About the company

Novartis is committed to reimagining medicine through innovation and collaboration. The company upholds pay equity and fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, guided by its Code of Ethics.

• Commitment to reimagining medicine through collaborative innovation.
• Dedication to pay equity and creating an inclusive, respectful work environment.