Clinical Program Leader (CPL)

Novartis Group Companies; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 249,000 - 462,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Group of Companies in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a senior CPL to lead strategic medical guidance for preclinicalto-clinical oncology development. The role requires MD/DO with oncology board certification and preferred PhD, plus strong English communication and cross-functional leadership.

The position is hybrid in Cambridge, MA, and involves coordinating global teams, designing development plans, and ensuring GCP compliance throughout translational programs in oncology.

Qualifications

• MD or DO degree and oncology board certification preferred.
• Experience leading oncology clinical development strategies.
• Excellent medical writing and regulatory knowledge.
• Strong collaboration across global matrix teams.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic medical and scientific leadership to the project team on oncology agent development.
• Creates clinical development strategies within PE/DC to TDP timeframe.
• Lead Biomedical Research Early Program Teams to start clinical development.
• Integrates preclinical data to guide clinical development decisions.
• Collaborates with clinical scientists to develop protocols and reports.
• Applies GCP knowledge and company standards to trials.
• Liaises with external experts and regulatory authorities.
• Writes abstracts/manuscripts for presentations and publications.
• Mentors CPLs and supports continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic medical guidance

Clinical development

Medical writing

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Fluent English

Education

MD or DO degree

Board-certification in oncology

PhD in science (preferred)

Job description

Job Description Summary

Location: Cambridge, MA. Hybrid
May consider DWA, but candidates local to onsite preferred
#LI-Hybrid

Experience will determine which level 6 (Senior CPL or CPL) is appropriate after interview process based on skills and experience.

CPL: Provides strategic medical guidance and leads the development of experimental oncology agents in the TCO portfolio, beginning with PE / DC (Portfolio Entry / Drug Candidate) of preclinical development and continuing through TDP (Transition Decision Point).

Job Description

Major Accountabilities

• Provides strategic medical and scientific leadership and expertise to all line functions on the project team for the development of new oncology agents (e.g., small molecules, biologics, radioligand therapies) that are in preclinical development, typically beginning at the PE / DC
• Creates clinical development strategies for new oncology agents within the PE/ DC to TDP timeframe. The development strategy combines the CPL's medical knowledge with the expertise of colleagues in a wide range of other disciplines (e.g., Clinical Pharmacology, Biostatistics) to optimize the clinical development strategy. Delivers solutions within functions, across functions, and on global projects, developing independent approach to TCO strategy.
• Although registration studies are not within the responsibility of TCO, the CPL must provide an early clinical development strategy that foresees and supports subsequent registration trials. Development of the Integrated Development Plan Approval (IDPA) in alignment with CPL Disease Area Leads (DALs), Development (DEV), Strategy & Growth (S&G), and Commercial teams
• Lead Biomedical Research Early Program Teams (BPTs) to enable the start of clinical development and continuing through clinical trials needed to support TDP. May lead multiple global project teams
• Integrates preclinical information (pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics) and interprets implications for clinical development, as articulated in the Investigator's Brochure and First-in-Human protocol
• Collaborates with clinical scientists to develop clinical protocols for TCO compounds and develop the instruments needed to implement, interpret and report them (e.g., case report forms, report and analysis plans, clinical study reports)
• Applies own medical knowledge to guide the safe, ethical and efficient conduct of the trials under own responsibility. Knowledgeable in Good Clinical Practice guidelines and Novartis Standard Operating Procedures and strives to maintain compliance with them
• Liaises with outside experts, investigators, and regulatory authorities in oncology, and represents own projects to those groups and authorities
• Writes and reviews abstracts/manuscripts etc. for presentation/publications at internal/external meetings
• Participates in task forces to support continuous improvement and other management objectives. Operational responsibility for quality and compliance
• May provide informal mentorship to less experienced CPLs

Qualifications

Education

MD or DO degree

Board-certification in an oncology specialty and PhD-level science are preferred

Languages

Fluent English - Oral and written

Experience/Professional requirement

• At least 2 years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience in oncology clinical trials plus the equivalent duration experience from an academic medical center. If limited or no Pharmaceutical industry experience, then comparable senior academic experience in translational oncology and clinical research
• Recognized as an expert in your field by external medical experts. External candidates have a substantial record of publication and international recognition
• Excellent interpretation of oncology preclinical data (molecular biology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology)
• Strong knowledge of the application of PK/PD and biostatistics to clinical development and clinical trials
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret efficacy and safety data relating to oncology
• Knowledge of GCP and world-wide regulatory requirements for clinical trials and oncology
• Excellent medical/scientific writing skills
• Successful track record of strategic thinking
• Proven ability to develop and inspire project/line/matrix multidisciplinary teams in a global environment
• Excellent personal ethical integrity and a commitment to improving the outcomes for patients with malignancies
• Excellent written and oral English communication/presentation skills
• Strong office IT skills

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $248,500.00 - 461,500.00 USD Annual per 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

$248,500.00 - $461,500.00

Skills Desired

• Clinical Research
• Clinical Trial Protocols
• Clinical Trials
• Clinical Trials Monitoring
• Decision Making
• Drug Development
• Health Sciences
• Medical Strategy (Inactive)
• Regulatory Compliance