Director / Executive Director, Modeling & Simulation (Dual Level Posting)

Novartis • Cambridge, MA

8d • $176,400 - $418,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

Novartis is a leader in mechanistic modelling and simulation. We are seeking an experienced modelling and simulation leader to build and lead a small, high-impact team focused on multiscale disease modelling to support portfolio decision making across the Novartis pipeline. In this role, you will partner with PKS M&S, Therapeutic Areas, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and apply quantitative disease models that inform portfolio strategy, prioritisation, and key development decisions. You will contribute to departmental strategy, drive innovation in disease modelling approaches, and ensure the proactive use of modelling insights to shape programs from discovery through clinical development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics, or a related field.
• 10+ (Director) - 15+ (Executive Director) years of relevant postdoctoral, academic, industry, or government experience with a track record as a leader and individual contributor in one or more of the following fields: Disease Modeling, Pathway Modeling, Quantitative Pharmacology, Systems Pharmacology, Mechanistic Modeling.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including building and developing teams and delivering through both direct reports and matrix environments. Extensive leadership experience required for Executive Director level (8+ years).
• Proven experience applying mechanistic or systems-level disease models to inform portfolio or program decisions.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery and development, and how modelling informs key transitions from discovery to clinical development.
• Experience influencing strategy through contributions to governance discussions, cross-functional teams, or scientific leadership initiatives.
• Ability to translate complex modelling outputs into clear, actionable insights for decision-makers.
• Track record of driving scientific innovation, including development or application of new methodologies, platforms, or modelling approaches.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills across scientific and clinical disciplines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Established credibility in the M&S or quantitative pharmacology community (e.g., publications, collaborations, or scientific leadership).
• Fluency in English (oral and written).

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with demonstrated impact as a modeler, preferably in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, and with commensurate experience and proficiency may be considered for the Executive Director (15+ years) or Director (10+ years) role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on disease modelling, including recruitment, coaching, performance management, and talent development.
• Define and execute disease modelling strategies aligned with portfolio priorities, ensuring models address key decision questions across discovery and development.
• Develop and apply mechanistic disease models (e.g., QSP, systems biology, integrative PK/PD-disease frameworks) to understand disease progression, variability, and response to intervention.
• Drive portfolio-level impact, including modelling to support target selection, indication prioritisation, competitive differentiation, and probability of technical success.
• Collaborate with PKS and TM leadership to shape scientific priorities and ensure alignment with broader M&S and organisational strategy.
• Establish and evolve modelling platforms, workflows, and best practices that can be leveraged across disease areas and programs.
• Integrate diverse data sources (preclinical, clinical, omics, and external data) to enable robust, predictive disease models.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives that advance modelling capabilities, including adoption of innovative approaches (e.g., AI-enabled methods, digital twins where relevant).
• Drive scientific excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring use of state-of-the-art methodologies and strengthening disease modelling capabilities across the organisation.
• Influence internal and external stakeholders, including contributions to scientific publications, consortia, and collaborations that enhance Novartis leadership in disease modelling.

Benefits

• health
• life and disability benefits
• a 401(k) with company contribution and match
• a variety of other benefits
• generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree