Head of Neurodegeneration, Translational Medicine

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG seeks a Director to lead translational medicine strategy for neurodegeneration in Basel. The role requires an MD/PhD with 10+ years of experience in early clinical development and global team leadership.

This position provides strategic leadership for the Neurodegeneration Pillar within Translational Medicine. The successful candidate will define long-term development strategies, advise on program design, and ensure scientific excellence across early clinical studies.

Responsibilities

• Direct global translational teams throughout Phase I to IIa development stages, ensuring robust strategies for single or multiple neurodegeneration indications.
• Represent the Translational Medicine function on global program teams and decision boards to guarantee regulatory compliance, quality standards, and program differentiation.
• Oversee the design and execution of First-in-Human and Phase IIa trials, collaborating closely with clinical, regulatory, biomarker, and profiling experts.
• Author and review critical clinical documentation, including Clinical Trial Protocols, Investigator’s Brochures, Clinical Study Reports, and regulatory submissions, maintaining high quality and consistency.
• Champion a culture of empowerment, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration within Translational Medicine and broader Business Research divisions.
• Mentor and develop scientific talent across translational and clinical disciplines.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, key opinion leaders, data monitoring committees, and advisory boards, as well as internal Novartis teams.
• Participate in opportunity assessments and due diligence processes for neurodegeneration and related therapeutic areas.
• Ensure strict adherence to governance, compliance, and documentation standards across all translational medicine activities.

Requirements

• MD and PhD degrees with clinical subspecialty training in neurological diseases and deep expertise in neurodegeneration disorders.
• Minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics.
• Proven track record of leading complex global programs and cross-functional scientific teams.
• Demonstrated ability to shape development strategies, execute early clinical studies, and influence regulatory packages to support differentiation.

Nice to have

• Experience working in a pharmaceutical or biotech company is strongly preferred.
• Direct people management experience.

About the company

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals.

• Commitment to reasonable accommodation for all individuals.