Executive Clinical Program Leader - Translational Clinical Oncology

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 288,000 - 536,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible and hybrid working options

14 weeks paid parental leave

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Executive Clinical Program Leader - Translational Clinical Oncology.

This onsite, full-time role leads strategic medical and scientific direction from early target identification through transition to later-stage development, guiding decision-making and portfolio advancement. You will represent oncology programs at governance boards, influence study design, and oversee external collaborations while mentoring teams.

Qualifications

• MD is required for this leadership role.
• Board certification in Hematology-Oncology is required or equivalent.
• 7+ years leading global early-phase hematology-oncology programs in pharma/biotech.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic medical and scientific leadership across early oncology development programs.
• Represent Translational Clinical Oncology programs at internal governance and leadership boards.
• Lead clinical strategy development and provide senior clinical input for studies and preclinical projects.
• Review protocols, investigator brochures, and regulatory submissions.
• Contribute to business development and portfolio reviews.
• Lead and oversee external collaborations and partnerships.
• Mentor colleagues and act as a methodological expert across the organization.
• Ensure compliant conduct of trials per GCP and company procedures.

Skills

Clinical Decision Making

Clinical Research

Clinical Trials

Drug Development

Leadership

People Management

Risk Management

Strategy Development

Education

MD (required)

MD/PhD preferred

Board certification in Hematology-Oncology

Job description

Executive Clinical Program Leader - Translational Clinical Oncology is located in Cambridge, MA, USA and works onsite. This full-time role provides strategic medical and scientific leadership for the development of multiple experimental agents within the Translational Clinical Oncology (TCO) portfolio. The role spans from early target identification through transition into later-stage development, partnering closely with development teams to accelerate decision-making and portfolio advancement. The ECPL also provides scientific and clinical expertise to evaluate external innovation opportunities and business development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic medical and scientific leadership across early oncology development programs.
• Represent Translational Clinical Oncology programs at internal governance and leadership boards.
• Lead clinical strategy development and provide senior clinical input for clinical studies and preclinical research projects.
• Review and provide feedback on key study documents, including protocols, investigator brochures, and regulatory submissions.
• Contribute scientific and clinical expertise to business development, licensing evaluations, and portfolio reviews.
• Lead and oversee external collaborations and strategic partnerships.
• Mentor colleagues and serve as an expert resource across Biomedical Research and the broader organization.
• Ensure the safe, ethical, and compliant conduct of clinical trials in accordance with GCP and company procedures.
• Engage with external experts, investigators, and health authorities in support of early oncology clinical development.
• Contribute to scientific publications, abstracts, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Essential Requirements

• MD required; MD/PhD preferred.
• Board certification (or equivalent expertise) in Hematology-Oncology.
• 7+ years of experience leading complex global early-phase hematology-oncology clinical programs within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Strong experience in translational hematology/oncology and clinical research.
• Recognized scientific and clinical expertise demonstrated through publications and professional contributions.
• Broad knowledge of oncology drug development and clinical trial execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Strong mentoring and talent development capabilities.
• High ethical standards and commitment to improving outcomes for patients with cancer.

Rewards

At Novartis, we are committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: USA: $288,400.00 - 535,600.00 USD Annual. The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process. Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Salary Range $288,400.00 - $535,600.00

Skills Desired

• Clinical Decision Making
• Clinical Research
• Clinical Trials
• Drug Development
• Leadership
• People Management
• Risk Management
• Strategy Development

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives.

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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.