Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration)

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 301,000 - 412,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration) to lead end-to-end translational strategy bridging preclinical research to early clinical development (Phase 1–2).

You will oversee biomarker strategy, clinical endpoints, and early trial design, ensuring data-driven decisions, strong mechanistic links, and robust patient-relevant outcomes.

Qualifications

• MD/Neurology training with clinical experience in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Experience in translational medicine or early clinical development.
• Ability to shape development strategies and drive early clinical studies.
• Desirable: PhD/PharmD in Neurology/Neuroscience.

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 (e.g., IND, TDP, IDPA).
• Collaborate with Biomarker Development colleagues to validate biomarkers and endpoints.
• Integrate biomarker strategy into clinical protocols and operations.
• Co-lead design and execution of early clinical studies (Phase 1/2).
• Lead cross-functional collaboration within global project teams (Clinical Development, Biomarker, PKS, PCS).
• Build collaborations with academic groups, patient advocacy, and tech partners.

Skills

Clinical Trials

Data Analysis

Data Monitoring

Drug Development

Medical Research

People Management

Education

MD, Neurology

Translational medicine/early clinical development

PhD/PharmD in Neurology/Neuroscience

Job description

Job Description Summary #LI-Hybrid Internal Title: Director Location: Cambridge, MA, USA

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

Job Description 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: o Neurology / Neuroscience o 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.

Salary Range $248,500.00 - $461,500.00

Skills Desired Clinical Trials, Data Analysis, Data Monitoring, Drug Development, Medical Research, People Management

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

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