Executive Director, Development Sciences

Novartis

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary scientific leader to join us as Executive Director, Development Sciences. In this highly visible role, you will lead a cross-functional scientific organization spanning pharmacokinetics, bioanalysis, quantitative pharmacology, biomarker sciences, and toxicology across discovery, early development, and potentially late-stage development. You will play a critical role in advancing translational understanding of the Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOC) platform, shaping integrated development strategies, and enabling high-quality portfolio decisions. As Executive Director, Development Sciences, you will provide strategic and scientific leadership across a broad translational sciences remit, with particular emphasis on pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, bioanalysis, preclinical safety, and biomarkers. You will be responsible for defining fit-for-purpose development strategies across programs, ensuring scientific rigor in execution, and building strong partnerships across research, development, regulatory, and portfolio teams. This role requires a leader who combines deep technical expertise with strong organizational leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to influence across a matrixed organization. You will also lead and develop scientists based at the San Diego site and serve as an important internal and external representative of the organization.

Requirements

• PhD or PharmD in pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, toxicology, biomarker sciences, pharmaceutics, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Significant biopharmaceutical industry experience, typically 12 or more years, spanning preclinical and clinical drug discovery and development, including senior leadership responsibility
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including hiring, mentoring, coaching, and developing scientific talent
• Experience supporting development programs involving biologics, monoclonal antibodies, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and or RNA-based medicines
• Strong understanding of global regulatory requirements and experience contributing to submissions such as INDs, IMPDs, NDAs, and BLAs
• Proven ability to work effectively in a matrixed, cross-functional environment and influence across teams and organizational levels
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of scientific rigor and sound judgment

Nice To Haves

• Experience in neuroscience or neuromuscular disease
• Experience in bioanalytical assay development and biomarker strategy
• Familiarity with late-stage development and registration-enabling activities
• Experience applying digital tools, AI, or machine learning to scientific decision-making and development execution
• Track record of external scientific visibility through publications, presentations, or industry engagement

Responsibilities

• Lead the Development Sciences organization and provide strategic direction across pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, bioanalysis, toxicology, biomarker sciences, and allied translational sciences areas
• Define and implement integrated platform and program strategies from discovery through registration
• Advance translational understanding of the AOC platform to support data-driven decision-making and differentiated development strategies
• Oversee pharmacokinetic, pharmacology, and nonclinical safety contributions to regulatory submissions and supporting documentation
• Support health authority interactions by ensuring high-quality scientific input into development and regulatory strategies
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across discovery, development, regulatory, and other key partner functions to ensure rigorous and efficient program execution
• Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing scientific team, including oversight of scientists based at the San Diego site
• Serve as a scientific thought leader internally and externally through collaborations, publications, presentations, and participation in relevant scientific forums
• Promote operational excellence through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and effective use of resources
• Leverage digital tools, AI, and automation, where appropriate, to enhance insight generation, efficiency, and decision-making

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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