Senior Principal Scientist / Associate Director Translational Oncology

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG seeks a Senior Principal Scientist / Associate Director in Translational Oncology based in Basel. The role focuses on driving translational research strategies and leading oncology programs from discovery to clinical development.

This position is responsible for defining and executing translational research strategies within cancer biology, molecular signaling, and biomarker science. The role bridges complex biological insights with actionable therapeutic hypotheses and clinical development plans. The incumbent will lead oncology programs from early discovery through clinical translation, acting as a central integrator across drug discovery, translational, bioinformatics, and clinical teams. The position also involves mentoring multidisciplinary teams and communicating scientific strategies to senior leadership and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Establish and advance translational research strategies leveraging deep knowledge of cancer biology, molecular signaling, and biomarker science.
• Convert intricate biological findings into practical therapeutic hypotheses and clinical development plans.
• Guide oncology programs from initial discovery stages through clinical translation, maintaining scientific rigor and strategic alignment.
• Manage mechanism-of-action studies, combination strategies, and biomarker development.
• Serve as a central integrator across drug discovery, translational, bioinformatics, and clinical teams.
• Influence decision-making and align cross-functional stakeholders within a global, matrixed organization.
• Collaborate with computational and data science teams to integrate genomic, molecular, and translational datasets into program strategy.
• Ensure robust interpretation of data into clear scientific and clinical insights.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
• Communicate scientific strategies and findings effectively to senior leadership, governance bodies, and external partners.
• Contribute to external scientific visibility through publications, conferences, and collaborations.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Completed postdoctoral plus at least 4+ years of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic translational research experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in oncology research and translational therapeutic development.
• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary scientific programs in matrixed organizations.
• Strong scientific communication, leadership, collaboration, and mentoring capabilities.
• Established record of scientific innovation, publications, and translational impact.
• High level of scientific curiosity, agility, and a positive, solution-oriented mindset.

What the company offers

• Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: CHF 122,500 to CHF 227,500
• Performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters
• Competitive benefits in kind: insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs
• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible
• Minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave

About the company

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG is committed to reimagining medicine together and rewarding the people who make it happen.

• Committed to reimagining medicine together and rewarding the people who make it happen.