Executive Clinical Program Leader - Translational Clinical Oncology
Novartis
Summary
The Executive Clinical Program Leader (ECPL) provides strategic medical and scientific leadership for the development of multiple experimental agents within the Translational Clinical Oncology (TCO) portfolio. The role spans from early target identification through transition into later-stage development, partnering closely with development teams to accelerate decision-making and portfolio advancement. The ECPL also provides scientific and clinical expertise to evaluate external innovation opportunities and business development initiatives.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic medical and scientific leadership across early oncology development programs.
- Represent Translational Clinical Oncology programs at internal governance and leadership boards.
- Lead clinical strategy development and provide senior clinical input for clinical studies and preclinical research projects.
- Review and provide feedback on key study documents, including protocols, investigator brochures, and regulatory submissions.
- Contribute scientific and clinical expertise to business development, licensing evaluations, and portfolio reviews.
- Lead and oversee external collaborations and strategic partnerships.
- Mentor colleagues and serve as an expert resource across Biomedical Research and the broader organization.
- Ensure the safe, ethical, and compliant conduct of clinical trials in accordance with GCP and company procedures.
- Engage with external experts, investigators, and health authorities in support of early oncology clinical development.
- Contribute to scientific publications, abstracts, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Essential Requirements
- MD required; MD/PhD preferred.
- Board certification (or equivalent expertise) in Hematology-Oncology.
- 7+ years of experience leading complex global early-phase hematology-oncology clinical programs within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Strong experience in translational hematology/oncology and clinical research.
- Recognized scientific and clinical expertise demonstrated through publications and professional contributions.
- Broad knowledge of oncology drug development and clinical trial execution.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven leadership and people management experience.
- Strong mentoring and talent development capabilities.
- High ethical standards and commitment to improving outcomes for patients with cancer.
Requirements
- MD required; MD/PhD preferred.
- Board certification (or equivalent expertise) in Hematology-Oncology.
- 7+ years of experience leading complex global early-phase hematology-oncology clinical programs within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Strong experience in translational hematology/oncology and clinical research.
- Recognized scientific and clinical expertise demonstrated through publications and professional contributions.
- Broad knowledge of oncology drug development and clinical trial execution.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven leadership and people management experience.
- Strong mentoring and talent development capabilities.
- High ethical standards and commitment to improving outcomes for patients with cancer.
Benefits
- Insurance plans
- Retirement plans
- Wellbeing resources
- Global recognition programs
- Paid parental leave
- Flexible and hybrid working options
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.