About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about leading the translational strategy for neurodegenerative therapies at Novartis. You'll be a senior leader guiding research and clinical development, working with cross-functional teams to drive projects from discovery to early clinical stages. It's an executive position focused on strategic oversight rather than hands-on scientific work.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in neuroscience or translational medicine, likely with a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field. Strong leadership skills and a collaborative approach are essential, as well as a track record of managing complex projects in a pharmaceutical setting.

Worth noting

This position is high-level and may involve significant external engagement with regulatory bodies and key opinion leaders, which could be a unique opportunity for networking. The hybrid work model offers flexibility, but the role demands a strong commitment to leadership and strategic vision.

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Internal job title: Executive Director
Location: Basel, Switzerland

As the Head of Neurodegeneration within Translational Medicine, you will serve as a senior scientific and strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the translational strategy for neurodegenerative therapeutic programs. You will provide expert guidance bridging research, early clinical development, and biomarker/experimental medicine innovation to advance assets from discovery through proof-of-concept and into full development.

In addition, you will lead or integrate global, cross-functional teams to design, implement, and execute cutting-edge translational strategies, and act as an influential thought partner in neurodegenerative disease biology, clinical development, and emerging therapeutic modalities.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Scientific Direction

Define and oversee the long-term translational strategy for the Neurodegeneration Pillar, ensuring scientific excellence and alignment with broader BR and TM organizational priorities.
Serve as a senior advisor and thought leader within neurodegeneration disorders, leveraging deep specialty expertise to inform program design, biomarker strategy, and patient-relevant endpoints.

Program & Portfolio Leadership

Lead global translational teams across Phase I–IIa (“Discovery” through TDP), driving implementation of high‑quality development strategies in single or multiple neurodegeneration indications.
Represent TM on global program teams (GPT) and decision boards, ensuring that neurodegeneration programs meet quality, regulatory, and differentiation objectives.

Translational & Clinical Development Excellence

Lead the design and execution of First‑in‑Human (FIH) and Phase IIa studies, working collaboratively with clinical, regulatory, biomarker, and profiling partners.
Leads the creation of clinical components of key documents e.g., Clinical Trial Protocols (CTPs), Investigator’s Brochures, Clinical Study Reports (CSRs), regulatory documents etc. with high levels of quality and consistency

Leadership of People, Culture, and Matrix Teams

Serve as a culture champion, promoting empowerment, innovation, and collaboration across TM and broader BR organizations.
Mentor and develop scientific talent across translational and clinical functions.

External Impact & Partnerships

Lead interactions with external stakeholders (e.g., regulatory authorities, key opinion leaders, data monitoring committees, advisory boards etc.) and internal NVS stakeholders
Contribute to opportunity assessments and due diligence for neurodegeneration and adjacent therapeutic areas.

Governance, Compliance & Documentation

Essential Requirements:

MD and PhD required with clinical subspecialty training in neurological diseases with deep expertise in neurodegeneration disorders
A minimum of 10+ years of extensive experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics.
Demonstrated success leading complex global programs and cross-functional scientific teams.
Proven ability to shape development strategies, execute early clinical studies, and influence regulatory/packages supporting differentiation.
Experience working in pharmaceutical/biotech company strongly preferred.

Desirable Requirements:

Direct people management experience

Accessibility and Accommodation:

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired

Active Directory, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Classification Systems, Computer Data Storage, Critical Thinking, Higher Education, Initiative, Merchandising, Selling Skills

Aplyr's read

Novartis is a Swiss-based global healthcare leader, known for its focus on innovative medicines and commitment to addressing patient needs through diverse roles.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Novartis invests heavily in research and development, driving innovation in pharmaceuticals.
•The company offers a wide range of global career opportunities across various fields.
•Strong focus on cutting-edge therapies, including gene therapy and AI-driven solutions.

What to watch

•Regulatory challenges can impact the speed of drug approval and market entry.
•High competition in the pharmaceutical industry requires constant innovation to maintain market position.
•Complex organizational structure may slow decision-making processes.

Why Novartis

•Novartis has a robust pipeline of innovative medicines, setting it apart in the healthcare sector.
•The company emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workplace culture across its global operations.
•Novartis is a leader in digital transformation within pharmaceuticals, integrating AI and data science.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Novartis

Novartis

novartis.com

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Novartis is a global healthcare company based in Switzerland that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide. It focuses on innovative medicines, generics, and eye care.