Executive Director, International Medical Affairs, Dermatology

Novartis; Basel; On-site; CHF 185,000 - 343,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible hybrid working

Parental leave 14 weeks

Job summary

Novartis AG in Basel is seeking an Executive Director, International Medical Affairs, Dermatology, to lead the global medical strategy for the Dermatology portfolio. You will oversee pipeline, pre-launch, launch, lifecycle management, and in-market assets while developing an international Medical Affairs team and shaping evidence generation for patient access across markets.

You will partner with Global Medical Affairs, Development, and regional teams to ensure strategic alignment, scientific

Qualifications

• MD/PhD/PharmD in Life Sciences or related.
• 10+ years Medical Affairs experience with international/global exposure.
• Experience across pipeline, pre-launch, launch, and in-market assets.
• Fluent English language skills (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Lead the International Medical Affairs Dermatology team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Define and drive the international medical strategy across Dermatology assets.
• Shape Integrated Evidence Plans to address priority market needs.
• Lead international medical launch readiness and execution for priority markets.

Skills

Fluent English

Matrix leadership

Influencing skills

Education

Doctorate-level degree (MD, PhD, or PharmD)

Job description

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Relocation Support: Yes

Ready to shape the future of Dermatology and influence how innovative medicines reach patients across international markets?

As the Executive Director, International Medical Affairs, Dermatology, you will lead the international medical strategy across the Dermatology portfolio, spanning pipeline, pre-launch, launch, lifecycle management, and in-market assets. You will lead and develop the International Medical Affairs Dermatology team, ensuring the needs of priority markets are embedded into Global and Development strategies while shaping evidence generation, launch readiness, scientific engagement, field medical strategy, medical education, and expert engagement. Working closely with International Commercial, Value & Access, Global Medical Affairs, Development, and regional and country teams, you will ensure the right evidence and medical capabilities are in place to support clinical adoption, patient access, and meaningful impact across international markets. Reporting to the Head International Medical Affairs Immunology, you will act as a senior medical leader and strategic partner, helping shape the future of Dermatology across International markets.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and inspire the International Medical Affairs Dermatology team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Define and drive the international medical strategy across pipeline, pre-launch, launch, and in-market Dermatology assets.
• Represent International Medical Affairs Dermatology in senior cross-functional leadership and governance forums.
• Shape Integrated Evidence Plans to address priority market needs and support patient access and clinical adoption.
• Lead international medical launch readiness and execution, equipping priority markets for successful launches and new indications.
• Drive scientific engagement strategies spanning Field Medical, medical education, publications, and Medical Expert network development.
• Build strategic relationships with international thought leaders, medical societies, and key external Dermatology stakeholders.
• Translate insights from international markets into strategic recommendations for Global Medical Affairs, Development, and Commercial teams.
• Partner with International Commercial and Value & Access leaders to shape integrated brand, evidence, and access strategies.
• Lead resource and budget prioritization while ensuring compliant, timely, and high-quality execution of International Medical Affairs activities.

Essential Requirements

• Doctorate-level degree (MD, PhD, or PharmD) in Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of Medical Affairs experience within the pharmaceutical industry, including significant international or global above-country experience.
• Strong experience across the product lifecycle, including pipeline, pre-launch, launch, and established in-market assets.
• Deep understanding of international healthcare systems and key external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, medical societies, guideline committees, and payers.
• Proven experience developing and executing international medical strategies, evidence generation plans, and scientific engagement initiatives.
• Previous people leadership experience, with a track record of developing and inspiring high-performing Medical Affairs teams.
• Strong matrix leadership and influencing skills, with demonstrated ability to partner effectively across functions, markets, and global teams.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in Immunology, particularly Dermatology, with an understanding of relevant disease areas, scientific landscapes, and medical strategies.
• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English.

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 [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Benefits

Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: Novartis Life Handbook

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role

184,800.00 - 343,200.00 CHF

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 14 weeks paid parental leave.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)