Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration)

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 249,000 - 462,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking a Director of Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration) to lead end-to-end translational strategy bridging preclinical research to early clinical development (Phase 1-2) in neurodegeneration. You will own biomarker strategy, endpoint selection, and trial design to enable data-driven decisions.

You will oversee trial research and data collection, establish scientific methods for protocols and reports, and support ongoing clinical research while ensuring timely handling

Qualifications

• MD/DO or PhD with neurology focus and clinical training in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics.
• Ability to shape development strategies and influence regulatory pathways.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute integrated translational strategies across neurodegeneration programs.
• Lead translational components from preclinical to Phase 1/2 clinical studies.
• Drive program progression through key decision gates (IND, IDP, IDPA).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Clinical Development, Biomarker Development, and Regulatory.
• Build external collaborations with academic KOLs and patient advocacy groups.
• Integrate patient voice into translational and clinical strategies.
• Contribute to portfolio strategy and due diligence.

Skills

Translational medicine leadership

Neurology expertise

Strategic development planning

Cross-functional leadership

Education

MD

PhD, Neuroscience

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration) will lead the end to end translational strategy for neurodegenerative programs, bridging preclinical research to early clinical development (Phase 1-2). This role is accountable for biomarker strategy, clinical endpoint selection, and early phase trial design, enabling efficient, data driven decision-making through key development milestones (e.g., Transition Decision Points) and ensuring competitive differentiation of neuromuscular assets.

In addition, he/she oversees the planning, execution, and interpretation of clinical trials research, data collection activities and clinical operations. Establishes and approves scientific methods for design and implementation of clinical protocols, data collection systems and final reports. Support new and ongoing clinical research and clinical trials and ensure efficient and timely processing of confidentiality agreements and clinical agreements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Translational Strategy & Program Leadership

   Define and execute integrated translational strategies across neurodegeneration programs

   Lead translational components from preclinical → Phase 1/2 clinical studies

   Drive program progression through key decision gates (e.g., IND, TDP, IDPA)

   Ensure strong mechanistic linkage between target biology, biomarkers, and clinical endpoints

2. Biomarker & Endpoint Leadership

   Collaborate with Biomarker Development colleagues toward development and validation of: Molecular biomarkers (tissue, blood, CSF where applicable)

   Functional endpoints (strength, mobility, disease-specific measures)

   Patient-reported outcomes (PROs)

   Establishing quantitative biomarkers to support: Target engagement

   Disease modification

   Dose selection and PoC decisions

   Integrate biomarker strategy into clinical protocols and operational plans

   Drive early biomarker de-risking, a key priority in neuromuscular programs

3. Early Clinical Development (Phase 1/2)

   Co-lead design and execution of early clinical studies

   Define: Dose escalation strategy

   Exposure-response framework

   Translational endpoints (biopsy, imaging, functional)

   Ensure TM leadership within Clinical Trial Teams (CTTs) for: Trial design

   Execution oversight

   Data interpretation and decision-making

4. Cross-Functional Leadership

   Serve as core Translational Medicine representative within global project teams

   Partner closely with: Clinical Development

   Biomarker Development

   Clinical Pharmacology (PKS)

   Preclinical Safety (PCS)

   Regulatory

   Drive alignment between research, TM, and development organizations

5. External Scientific Leadership

   Build and lead collaborations with: Academic KOLs

   Patient advocacy groups (critical in rare neuromuscular disease)

   Technology partners (imaging, omics platforms)

   Contribute to scientific strategy and external positioning of programs

6. Patient-Centered Development

   Integrate the patient voice into translational and clinical strategies

   Advance: Meaningful functional endpoints

   Patient-relevant outcome measures

   Innovative trial approaches (e.g., decentralized models where feasible)

7. Portfolio Contribution & Strategic Input

   Contribute to: Asset prioritization and portfolio strategy

   Competitive differentiation strategy (e.g., vs RNA or gene therapy competitors)

   Provide scientific input to: Business development / due diligence

   Indication expansion strategies

Essential Requirements

• MD, neurologists, clinical training in neurodegenerative diseases
• Experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics.
• Ability to shape development strategies, execute early clinical studies, and influence regulatory/packages supporting differentiation.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working in pharmaceutical/biotech company strongly preferred.
• PhD, PharmD, or equivalent in: Neurology / Neuroscience, Neurodegenerative diseases

The salary for this position is expected to range between: $248,500--$461,500/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

EEO Statement: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportun