Medical Director, Global Health (Translational Medicine)

Novartis Farmacéutica; London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global healthcare company seeks a Medical Director for Global Health, focusing on innovative therapies and collaboration across teams. This hybrid role requires expertise in clinical research and a passion for improving patient outcomes in underserved populations.

Qualifications

• At least 1-2 years’ experience in a pharmaceutical/biotech company.
• 5 plus years to be considered for Director level.

Responsibilities

• Lead global project teams through early phase development.
• Act as medical monitor for clinical studies.
• Develop strategies for preclinical support.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Innovation

Clinical Expertise

Global Health

Education

Doctoral degree, MD

PhD/post-doctoral equivalent

Job description

Medical Director, Global Health (Translational Medicine)

Job ID REQ-10051012

May 14, 2025

United Kingdom

Summary

#LI-Hybrid

Novartis has a long-term commitment to Global Health, including communicable diseases like malaria and non-communicable diseases. Novartis first supported sickle cell disease (SCD) care over 50 years ago with the development of chelators for managing iron overload. Although treatment options have increased, access has not kept pace. In Africa, it is estimated that 50-90% of infants with SCD die in childhood.

Novartis BioMedical Research (BR) drives innovation, focusing on technologies that enable therapeutic breakthroughs. Translational Medicine (TM) is a key part of BR, comprising about 900 associates globally, bridging research and clinical application.

The TM Discovery & Profiling (TMDP) team advances science from discovery to patients, overseeing early clinical trials and supporting development phases. TM experts are integral to global project teams, collaborating across disciplines to identify targets and develop clinical strategies.

As a TM Expert for Global Health, you will collaborate with senior leaders to develop strategic decisions for drug development projects and lead cross-functional teams. This role requires on-site presence at the Westworks London office three days a week.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop strategies for preclinical support, assessing medical needs and clinical development pathways.
• Lead global project teams through early development phases.
• Manage clinical aspects of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) up to Transition Decision Point (TDP).
• Serve as medical monitor for clinical studies.
• Communicate clinical matters to project teams and decision boards.
• Coordinate with internal and external leaders on development approaches.
• Evaluate clinical centers and foster investigator communication.
• Oversee publication and presentation of study results.
• Manage biomarker strategies in collaboration with experts.
• Participate in health authority presentations as TM Expert.

Qualifications:

• MD with clinical subspecialty training preferred in Hematology or Pediatrics with Sickle Cell expertise; additional PhD or post-doctoral experience and board certification are a plus.
• At least 1-2 years’ experience in pharma, biotech, CRO, or academia; 5+ years for Director level.
• Interest and experience in Global Health.
• Recognized medical and scientific expertise, with significant contributions and publications.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Innovative mindset and passion for science.

Why Novartis? We aim to reimagine medicine to improve lives. Join us to be part of this mission. Learn more: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: We strive to build an inclusive, diverse work environment reflective of our patients and communities.

Join Our Network: Stay connected and learn about opportunities: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network