Translational Medicine, Strategic Feasibility Expert-Associate Director

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG in Basel seeks a Senior Translational Medicine, Strategic Feasibility Expert-Associate Director to lead clinical feasibility strategy and site selection for biomedical research trials in a hybrid role.

This position directs the clinical feasibility strategy for biomedical research therapeutic areas and patient trials under Translational Medicine. The expert acts as the dedicated contact for therapeutic area alignment, ensuring study schedules and enrollment projections account for indication scope and site landscapes to support successful trial execution. The role also drives early medical and operational feasibility, locates high-performing academic and commercial sites, and collaborates with leading investigators and networks from the start.

Responsibilities

• Directs the strategic identification and selection of countries and sites for specific therapeutic areas and individual clinical trials.
• Delivers early, strategic feasibility input for therapeutic areas, indications, or studies using relevant tools, databases, and historical metrics.
• Manages site identification within the Clinical Trial Team and anticipates potential hurdles or delays to inform selection and timelines.
• Consolidates feasibility feedback and potential site lists for Clinical Trial Team decision-making and serves as an escalation point for site selection or sourcing challenges impacting timelines.
• Engages internally and externally to identify new investigators and sites while maintaining knowledge of investigator and site mapping aligned with therapeutic area and indication strategy.
• Monitors site performance data, including recruitment metrics.
• Builds and maintains relationships with key strategic investigators, sites, and networks for specific indications, programs, or therapeutic areas, establishing strategic partnerships as appropriate.
• Collaborates closely with the Clinical Trial Team during protocol development to understand site specifications and provide robust input into the study operational plan.
• Works closely with the Clinical Finance Manager on early strategic planning and provides input to site budget, timelines, and TTG impact.
• Collaborates with key global stakeholders, including Therapeutic Area Heads, Clinical Scientists, Translational Medicine Experts, Country Organizations, and Global Clinical Operations.

Requirements

• At least 8 to 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, biotech, or CRO drug development environment.
• Excellent understanding of the drug development process, with early clinical development preferred.
• Superior knowledge of clinical trial site selection, global and country-specific requirements, timelines, and challenges in clinical trial execution.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a global, matrix organization and build strong positive relationships.
• Ability to work independently with a demonstrated willingness to make decisions and take responsibility for them.

Nice to have

• Advanced computer literacy.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, and unexpected events while maintaining a positive work attitude.

What the company offers

• Performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.
• Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of the package.
• A variety of competitive benefits in kind to help thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible.
• Minimum 14 weeks of paid parental leave.