Associate Director, Portfolio Pathology

Novartis AG; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 186,000 - 345,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Cambridge, MA is seeking an experienced toxicologic pathologist to join the Global Portfolio Pathology team and shape strategies across neuroscience, oncology, immunology, and beyond. The role focuses on translating complex pathology data into decisive narratives for drug development and regulatory submissions, enabling rapid, high-quality decisions across modalities.

You will lead investigations at the intersection of pathology, toxicology, and regulatory science, guiding governance

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent with pathology training.
• Pathology board certification (e.g., DACVP).
• 5+ years in toxicologic pathology.
• PhD in a relevant biological field preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to supervise and develop team members.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspire multidisciplinary pathology teams across pathology, investigative/molecular pathology, and biodistribution.
• Establish next-generation scientific standards for non-GLP/GLP execution, reporting, and data integrity.
• Serve as the site scientific authority for pathology and biodistribution; translate uncertainty into risk-based recommendations.
• Architect the investigative pathology strategy (IHC, ISH/RNAscope, digital and spatial pathology, and -omics).
• Shape portfolio decisions through governance and matrix leadership; provide evidence-based storytelling for go/no-go decisions.
• Lead innovation-accelerating insight generation and set a vision for how pathology enables modern drug development.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Bioinformatics

Clinical Data Management

Collaboration

Communication

Critical Thinking

Data Analysis

Detail-Oriented

Drug Discovery Process

Ethics

Labora­tory Research

Life Science

Management Techniques

Medical Research

Organizing

Problem Solving

Regulatory Compliance

Report Writing

Team Management

Technical Knowledge

Time Management

Toxicology

Training and Development

Waterfall Model

Job description

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid

Location: Cambridge, MA USA

Internal Title: Associate Director

We are looking for an experienced toxicologic pathologist to join our Global Portfolio Pathology team to help implement strategies in pathology, nonclinical safety and drug development that will impact patients across neuroscience, oncology, immunology, cardiovascular and metabolic medicine, global health and regenerative medicine. In this collaborative and integrated role, you will implement drug development strategies and regulatory submission to complex data sets into clear, decisive narratives that shape patient impact, program strategy, scientific standards, and the next wave of transformative medicines.

You will operate at the intersection of pathology, toxicology, investigative sciences and regulatory pathology to enable rapid and high-quality decisions for drug development in small molecules, complex biologics and emerging modalities including cell and gene therapy, sxRNA, radioligands and more.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and inspire multidisciplinary teams across pathology, investigative/molecular pathology, and biodistribution-creating a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and talent growth.
• Establish next-generation scientific standards for non-GLP/GLP execution, reporting, and data integrity-ensuring consistent, decision-grade outputs that are inspection-ready.
• Serve as the site scientific authority for pathology and biodistribution: anticipate and define target-organ liabilities, build pathogenesis/MoA narratives, and translate uncertainty into clear, risk-based recommendations.
• Architect the investigative pathology strategy (IHC, ISH/RNAscope, digital and spatial pathology, and -omics) that connects tissue biology to target engagement, safety signals, and translational relevance.
• Shape portfolio decisions through governance and matrix leadership-bringing crisp, evidence-based storytelling that guides go/no-go decisions, mitigation strategies, and development plans.
• Lead innovation-accelerating insight generation and setting a vision for how pathology enables modern drug development.

Essential Requirements

• Education: DVM or equivalent(e.g. BVSc)
• Graduate training in pathology
• Pathology board certification (e.g., DACVP or equivalent)
• 5+ years in toxicologic pathology

• Preferred candidate will also have a PhD in a relevant biological or toxicologic field
• Demonstrated team leadershipwith strong collaboration and communication skill (written and oral)
• Ability to supervise direct and indirect team members as well as to coach/develop others
• Experience leading programs, platforms, or initiatives
• Strong interpretive capability across toxicologic pathology, molecular pathology, and biodistribution, with a track record of translating findings into high-quality reports and regulatory documentation
• Scientific credibility demonstrated through publications and/or presentations.

Desirable Requirements

• Preferred candidate will have rodent carcinogenicity safety assessment experience (e.g. protocol development, primary or peer review evaluation and regulatory document preparation) for both traditional 104 week carcinogenicity studies and transgenic (Hras mouse) studies
• Preferred candidate will have pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience across discovery through development (early phase to registration)
• Deep expertise in a subspeciality area of pathology including but not limited to a particular, business relevant organ system, special investigative techniques (e.g. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, digital pathology, ultrastructural pathology) and/or regulatory writing and/or submissions
• Strong cross-functional influence and comfort operating in governance forums and matrixed teams
• The highest commitment to professional ethics, scientific rigor, clear data storytelling, and continuous improvement

The salary for this position is expected to range between: $185,500-$344,500/year

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$185,500.00 - $344,500.00

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Bioinformatics, Clinical Data Management, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Laboratory Research, Life Science, Management Techniques, Medical Research, Organizing, Problem Solving, Regulatory Compliance, Report Writing, Team Management, Technical Knowledge, Time Management, Toxicology, Training and Development, Waterfall Model