Director, GDC Head of ADC Oncology Chemistry
Novartis
Summary
You have the opportunity to shape the chemistry strategy behind the next generation of targeted oncology therapeutics. In this highly influential scientific leadership role, you will lead a talented team of medicinal chemists advancing antibody-drug conjugate and other vectorized drug conjugate programs from early discovery toward key development milestones. Working at the intersection of chemistry, biology and drug discovery, you will help shape portfolio strategy, guide innovative science and build strong partnerships across disciplines, while developing people and creating an environment where bold ideas can translate into meaningful treatments for patients.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for antibody-drug conjugate and vectorized drug conjugate programs across the oncology portfolio.
- Guide project teams toward critical drug discovery milestones, from exploratory research through candidate nomination.
- Build, mentor and develop a high-performing team of medicinal chemists across career levels.
- Partner across biology, biotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and process chemistry to advance innovative therapeutic programs.
- Shape portfolio strategy, prioritization and resourcing decisions in alignment with broader oncology goals.
- Identify emerging technologies, external collaborations and scientific opportunities that strengthen the discovery portfolio.
- Foster an innovative, inclusive and collaborative environment while navigating complexity, ambiguity and organizational change.
Essential Requirements
- Doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
- Minimum 12 years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology research and development experience, including significant scientific and people leadership experience.
- Proven success advancing oncology drug discovery programs toward clinical development.
- Deep knowledge and experience with antibody-drug conjugates and other vectorized drug conjugate approaches.
- Broad understanding of drug discovery disciplines, including pharmacokinetics, toxicology and pharmacology.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence across functions and translate complex science into strategic decisions.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience with computational chemistry tools and structure-based drug design.
- Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, structure-activity relationships, lead optimization and rational drug design.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
- Minimum 12 years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology research and development experience, including significant scientific and people leadership experience.
- Proven success advancing oncology drug discovery programs toward clinical development.
- Deep knowledge and experience with antibody-drug conjugates and other vectorized drug conjugate approaches.
- Broad understanding of drug discovery disciplines, including pharmacokinetics, toxicology and pharmacology.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence across functions and translate complex science into strategic decisions.
- Experience with computational chemistry tools and structure-based drug design.
- Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, structure-activity relationships, lead optimization and rational drug design.
Benefits
- Insurance plans
- Retirement plans
- Wellbeing resources
- Global recognition programs
- Flexible working options
- Hybrid working options
- Paid parental leave
Company overview
Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, dedicated to reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As an innovative medicines company, Novartis focuses on developing high-value treatments that address society's greatest disease burdens through technology leadership in research and development. The company operates across five core therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases; immunology; neuroscience; oncology; and hematology. With a workforce of approximately 75,883 employees worldwide, Novartis reaches nearly 300 million patients across 118 countries. The company leverages advanced technology platforms including targeted protein degradation, cell therapy, gene therapy, radioligand therapy, and xRNA to develop breakthrough treatments. Novartis maintains a strong portfolio of oncology drugs and generics while continuously expanding its pipeline through strategic acquisitions and internal research. The company's commitment extends beyond drug development to ensuring global access to medical innovations through novel access approaches and patient assistance programs.