About the role

Job Description Summary

The Neuroscience Medical Director serves as the country scientific leader for the Therapeutic Area, shaping and executing the medical strategy across the product lifecycle. This role translates global direction into impactful local plans, driving scientific engagement, evidence generation, and cross-functional alignment to improve patient outcomes.
This is a key leadership role for a strategic, collaborative, and scientifically strong leader who can drive innovation, ensure high-quality medical execution, and strengthen Novartis’ scientific impact in Canada.

Job Description

#LI-Hybrid
Location: Toronto, Ontario

This role is based in Toronto, Canada. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

This job posting is for an existing position

Key responsibilities:

Define and execute the country-specific medical strategy aligned with global and regional direction
Adapt international medical plans into local strategies supporting pre-launch, launch, and lifecycle management
Lead local evidence generation strategy (RWE, HEOR, Phase IV/III) and oversee publication planning
Provide scientific expertise to inform clinical development, trial feasibility, and integrated evidence plans
Lead and guide scientific engagement with HCPs and Medical Experts, ensuring credible and compliant interactions
Oversee MSL strategy and ensure aligned field medical engagement and insight generation
Design and deliver medical education strategies, including congresses, symposia, and scientific events
Build and maintain strong partnerships with external stakeholders (KOLs, societies, academic institutions)
Collaborate cross-functionally with Commercial, Market Access, Regulatory, and global medical teams
Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing medical team while fostering an inclusive and growth-oriented culture

Essential Requirements:

MD, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent advanced scientific degree
Experience in Medical Affairs and/or Clinical Development developing and executing medical strategies across the product lifecycle
Prior leadership experience with people and team management responsibilities
Strong experience engaging with HCPs/Medical Experts and leading field medical teams
Demonstrated expertise in evidence generation and scientific communication
Strong cross-functional collaboration experience across Medical, Commercial, Access, and Regulatory
Solid understanding of compliance, regulatory environment, and governance processes
Fluent in English.

Desirable Requirements:

Experience in Neuroscience therapeutic area
Exposure to regional or global medical roles in a matrix organization

At Novartis Canada, we are determined to be a valued partner and advocate, with a deep understanding of patient needs along the entire care journey – from drug development, to diagnosis, to access and beyond. Part of the way we are doing this is by leveraging data, technology, and partnerships.

Research & Development: we focus on four core therapeutic areas: Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolic, Immunology, Neuroscience and Oncology. We also develop and deliver treatments through other promoted and established brands, which today are helping millions of patients. Over the last three years, our average annual research and development investment in Canada was over $30 million, and we conduct clinical trial research in every region throughout Canada.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse team’s representatives of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired

Agility, Agility, Clinical Practices, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Employee Development, Healthcare Sector Understanding, Health Sciences, Influencing Skills, Innovation, Inspirational Leadership, Integrated Evidence Generation, Medical Affairs, Medical Communication, Medical Education, Patient Care, People Management, Pharmaceutics, Priority Disease Areas Expertise, Product Launches, Product Strategy, Real World Evidence (RWE), Regulatory Compliance, Research Methodologies {+ 4 more}

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.

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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.