Global Head of Molecular and Cellular Sciences

Novartis seeks a Global Head of Molecular and Cellular Sciences in Basel, Switzerland, to lead an international team developing innovative biomarker strategies for its clinical portfolio. The role requires a PhD or MD with extensive experience in pharmaceutical R&D and leadership in biomarker science.

The Global Head of Molecular and Cellular Sciences will lead a global team of scientists focused on creating and applying diverse molecular and cellular biomarker approaches across Novartis’s clinical portfolio. This role supports proof of concept, mechanism understanding, drug safety assessment, and the development of novel biological and clinical endpoints.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the creation and execution of biomarker strategies, plans, and data for the BR and Dev General Medicine portfolio, supporting proof of concept, mechanism goals, drug safety, and translational PK/PD model development.
• Offer biomarker expertise to clinical teams, helping design and implement tailored biomarker strategies at study, program, and disease area levels in collaboration with Disease Areas/Units and Translational Medicine functions.
• Maintain up-to-date scientific and technical knowledge in multiple molecular and cellular biomarker fields to support long-term innovation in clinical endpoints and patient-centric point-of-care testing.
• Share insights with Oncology and Immune Oncology teams as appropriate to support cross-functional collaboration.
• Drive the discovery and progression of early precision medicine biomarkers into later-stage drug development, working with Clinical Innovation.
• Manage resource allocation across multiple functions within the Molecular and Cellular Sciences line to align with portfolio priorities.

Requirements

• PhD or MD with broad expertise in biology and technology within the clinical biomarker field.
• Minimum of 10 years of impactful experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D, CROs, or equivalent academic roles, leading diverse, high-performing teams in matrix environments.
• Proven technical and scientific skills in multiple biomarker development areas, enabling innovative solutions.
• Strong interpersonal abilities, including presence, influence, negotiation, and communication skills; experienced in presenting to senior leadership.
• Recognized by internal and external stakeholders; deep understanding of external trends and a well-established professional network.

Nice to have

• Fluency in spoken and written English; additional languages such as German, French, or Italian are beneficial but not required.