Director, ADC Oncology Chemistry — Lead Breakthrough Therapeutics

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 186,000 - 345,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working options

Minimum 14 weeks parental leave

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in Cambridge, USA, is seeking a Director, Head of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Oncology Chemistry to lead our ADC portfolio from early discovery through key development milestones.

This leadership role sits at the intersection of chemistry, biology and drug discovery and emphasizes portfolio strategy and strong partnerships across disciplines. The role requires a doctoral degree, 12+ years in pharma/biotech R&D with proven oncology drug discovery

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or closely related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of pharma/biotech R&D, with significant leadership experience.
• Proven success advancing oncology drug discovery toward clinical development.

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for antibody-drug conjugate programs across the oncology portfolio.
• Guide project teams from exploratory research to candidate nomination.
• Build, mentor and develop a high-performing medicinal chemistry team.
• Partner with biology, biotherapeutics, PK, safety and process chemistry to advance programs.
• Shape portfolio strategy, prioritization and resourcing in line with oncology goals.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Team development

Education

Doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Structure-based drug design

Job description

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in Cambridge, USA, is seeking a Director, Head of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Oncology Chemistry to lead our ADC portfolio from early discovery through key development milestones.

This leadership role sits at the intersection of chemistry, biology and drug discovery and emphasizes portfolio strategy and strong partnerships across disciplines. The role requires a doctoral degree, 12+ years in pharma/biotech R&D with proven oncology drug discovery