Director, ADC Oncology Chemistry - Lead Discovery & Strategy

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 186,000 - 345,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

14 weeks parental leave

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Novartis in Cambridge, USA is seeking a Director, Head of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Oncology Chemistry to lead a strategic, multidisciplinary team advancing ADC and vectorized conjugates from discovery toward development. Relocation support is provided.

You will shape portfolio strategy, drive innovative science, and partner across biology, pharmacokinetics, safety and process chemistry while developing people in a dynamic, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology research and development experience, including significant scientific and people leadership experience.
• Proven success advancing oncology drug discovery programs toward clinical development.

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for antibody-drug conjugate and vectorized drug conjugate programs across the oncology portfolio.
• Guide project teams toward critical drug discovery milestones, from exploratory research through candidate nomination.
• Build, mentor and develop a high-performing team of medicinal chemists across career levels.
• Partner across biology, biotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and process chemistry to advance innovative therapeutic programs.
• Shape portfolio strategy, prioritization and resourcing decisions in alignment with broader oncology goals.
• Identify emerging technologies, external collaborations and scientific opportunities that strengthen the discovery portfolio.
• Foster an innovative, inclusive and collaborative environment while navigating complexity, ambiguity and organizational change.

Skills

Antibody-drug conjugates

Vectorized drug conjugates

Leadership

Strategy development

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry / Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Structure-based drug design

Job description

Novartis in Cambridge, USA is seeking a Director, Head of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Oncology Chemistry to lead a strategic, multidisciplinary team advancing ADC and vectorized conjugates from discovery toward development. Relocation support is provided.

You will shape portfolio strategy, drive innovative science, and partner across biology, pharmacokinetics, safety and process chemistry while developing people in a dynamic, inclusive environment.