Head, Translational Research and Biomarkers

Novartis • Cambridge, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a visionary and execution-driven leader to head Translational and Biomarker Research within Disease Area X (DAx). This role will be pivotal in leading a team to design and execute preclinical and translational biomarker strategies across a diverse portfolio of drug discovery programs as well as support target discovery and validation with histopathology and translational expertise. In addition to being a member of the leadership team for DAx, the successful candidate will lead an existing global team of scientists and interface with key matrixed functions within DAx, BR, and to the Translational Medicine and Biomarker Development groups to ensure seamless translation of scientific insights into clinical impact.

Requirements

• PhD, MD, or equivalent in biomedical sciences, pharmacology, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• Expertise in human translational data, multiomics profiling, and patient stratification approaches to enable biomarker discovery and validation.
• At least 10–15 years of experience in translational research, biomarker development, or related fields within pharma or biotech.
• Demonstrated prior leadership in preclinical and early clinical biomarker strategy.
• Proven track record in leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience and comfort in leading and influencing across global sites
• Strong ability to influencing matrixed environment

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in ex vivo, and in vitro systems for target validation, lead optimization, and biomarker development
• Demonstrated experience in managing an exploratory portfolio of programs in multiple disease biologies.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to align research goals with broader portfolio objectives.
• Ability to anticipate and shape internal and external shifts in the scientific and organizational landscape.
• Commitment to mentoring and developing talent, fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and scientific rigor.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the biomarker and translational research strategy for DAx, aligning with therapeutic area priorities in renal, liver, fibrosis, and exploratory indications.
• Lead the design, validation, and deployment of preclinical and clinical biomarker assays to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification.
• Lead the histopathology and pathology team for target validation
• Serve as a key organizational interface to help ensure end-to-end alignment of DAx program priorities.
• Establish and manage collaborations with academic institutions, consortia, and commercial sources to access patient samples and enable translational insights.
• Guide and mentor a high-performing team of scientists, fostering innovation, accountability, and scientific excellence.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees