Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration)

Novartis; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 151.000 - 280.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Hybrid working options

Zusammenfassung

Novartis is seeking a Director of Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration) in Basel to lead end-to-end translational strategy from preclinical to early clinical development (Phase 1–2).

The role covers biomarker strategy, clinical endpoint selection, early trial design, and cross-functional leadership to ensure data-driven decisions and competitive differentiation of neuromuscular assets.

Qualifikationen

• MD or clinical equivalent with neurology focus.
• Experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics.
• Ability to shape development strategies and influence regulatory support.

Aufgaben

• Define and execute translational strategies across neurodegeneration programs.
• Lead translational components from preclinical to Phase 1/2.
• Drive early clinical study design, dose escalation, and PK/PD planning.
• Collaborate across departments to align research, TM, and development.
• Lead external collaborations with KOLs, patient groups, and tech partners.
• Incorporate patient-centered endpoints and innovative trial designs.

Kenntnisse

Translational medicine

Clinical development

Neurology

Ausbildung

MD

PhD

Jobbeschreibung

Salary Range: CHF150,500.00 - CHF279,500.00

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid

Internal job title: Director

Location: Basel, Switzerland

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

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

Essential 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.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience working in pharmaceutical/biotech company strongly preferred.
• PhD, PharmD, or equivalent in:
  • Neurology / Neuroscience
  • Neurodegenerative diseases

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we're committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

• 150,500.00 - 279,500.00 CHF Annual

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum