Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration)
Novartis
Summary
The Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration) will lead the end to end translational strategy for neurodegenerative programs, bridging preclinical research to early clinical development (Phase 1–2). This role is accountable for biomarker strategy, clinical endpoint selection, and early phase trial design, enabling efficient, data driven decision-making through key development milestones (e.g., Transition Decision Points) and ensuring competitive differentiation of neuromuscular assets. In addition, he/she oversees the planning, execution, and interpretation of clinical trials research, data collection activities and clinical operations. Establishes and approves scientific methods for design and implementation of clinical protocols, data collection systems and final reports. Support new and ongoing clinical research and clinical trials and ensure efficient and timely processing of confidentiality agreements and clinical agreements
Job description
Key Responsibilities
1. Translational Strategy & Program Leadership
- Define and execute integrated translational strategies across neurodegeneration programs
- Lead translational components from preclinical → Phase 1/2 clinical studies
- Drive program progression through key decision gates (e.g., IND, TDP, IDPA)
- Ensure strong mechanistic linkage between target biology, biomarkers, and clinical endpoints
2. Biomarker & Endpoint Leadership
- Collaborate with Biomarker Development colleagues toward development and validation of: Molecular biomarkers (tissue, blood, CSF where applicable), Functional endpoints (strength, mobility, disease-specific measures), Patient-reported outcomes (PROs)
- Establishing quantitative biomarkers to support: Target engagement, Disease modification, Dose selection and PoC decisions
- Integrate biomarker strategy into clinical protocols and operational plans
- Drive early biomarker de-risking, a key priority in neuromuscular programs
3. Early Clinical Development (Phase 1/2)
- Co-lead design and execution of early clinical studies
- Define: Dose escalation strategy, Exposure–response framework, Translational endpoints (biopsy, imaging, functional)
- Ensure TM leadership within Clinical Trial Teams (CTTs) for: Trial design, Execution oversight, Data interpretation and decision-making
4. Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as core Translational Medicine representative within global project teams
- Partner closely with: Clinical Development, Biomarker Development, Clinical Pharmacology (PKS), Preclinical Safety (PCS), Regulatory
- Drive alignment between research, TM, and development organizations
5. External Scientific Leadership
- Build and lead collaborations with: Academic KOLs, Patient advocacy groups (critical in rare neuromuscular disease), Technology partners (imaging, omics platforms)
- Contribute to scientific strategy and external positioning of programs
6. Patient-Centered Development
- Integrate the patient voice into translational and clinical strategies
- Advance: Meaningful functional endpoints, Patient-relevant outcome measures, Innovative trial approaches (e.g., decentralized models where feasible)
7. Portfolio Contribution & Strategic Input
- Contribute to: Asset prioritization and portfolio strategy, Competitive differentiation strategy (e.g., vs RNA or gene therapy competitors)
- Provide scientific input to: Business development / due diligence, Indication expansion strategies
Requirements
- MD, neurologists, clinical training in neurodegenerative diseases
- Experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics
- Ability to shape development strategies, execute early clinical studies, and influence regulatory/packages supporting differentiation
- Experience working in pharmaceutical/biotech company strongly preferred
- PhD, PharmD, or equivalent in Neurology / Neuroscience or Neurodegenerative diseases
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- 401(k) with company contribution and match
- Vacation
- Personal days
- Holidays
- Performance-based cash incentive
- Annual equity awards
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.