Director, Head of External Animal Activities

Novartis • Cambridge, MA

7d • $176,400 - $327,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

This role plays a critical leadership role at the intersection of animal welfare, ethical science, governance, and enterprise risk. It influences how Novartis partners with external organizations worldwide, ensuring animal research is conducted responsibly and ethically in alignment with the highest standards of welfare, compliance, scientific excellence and the principles of the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. The leadership will help build trust, drive accountability, and support innovation that ultimately benefits patients around the world.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience leading governance frameworks, managing enterprise risk, overseeing external partners, influencing senior and executive stakeholders, and driving accountability across a global matrix organization.
• Deep subject matter expertise in laboratory animal medicine and welfare.
• Significant experience leading governance programs, assurance frameworks, or risk-based oversight initiatives.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build alignment in complex matrix environments.
• Experience overseeing external research partners, contract research organizations, or academic collaborations.
• Demonstrated success applying audits, due diligence, issue management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Veterinary degree such as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Doctor, or equivalent qualification.
• Deep expertise in laboratory animal medicine, animal welfare, and responsible research oversight.
• Strong knowledge of animal welfare regulations, ethical review principles, and the 3Rs.
• Specialized training, board certification, or equivalent advanced experience in laboratory animal medicine or animal welfare, such as Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DACLAM), and Diplomate of the European College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DECLAM) or comparable credentials.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting business development, partnership due diligence, or integration activities.
• Experience leveraging digital tools, artificial intelligence-enabled solutions, or data-driven oversight approaches.
• Experience operating across multiple geographies or regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise oversight of Novartis-sponsored animal activities conducted through external partners and collaborators.
• Build alignment across diverse stakeholders while balancing enterprise risk and research objectives.
• Advise senior stakeholders on complex decisions involving scientific, ethical, operational, and reputational considerations.
• Champion consistent application of Novartis animal welfare expectations across all external partnerships.
• Oversee risk management, compliance activities, and assurance programs across external research partnerships.
• Shape and evolve governance frameworks supporting responsible and ethical external animal research.
• Drive due diligence, audits, issue resolution, corrective actions, and escalation processes when required.
• Ensure alignment with animal welfare standards, ethical principles, regulatory expectations, and the 3Rs.
• Support external partnerships, business development activities, and research initiatives involving animal welfare considerations.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team while influencing outcomes across a global matrix organization.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Life benefits
• Disability benefits
• 401(k) with company contribution and match
• Generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director