Global Head, Oncology Translational Research

Job Description600! The number of Associates in our dedicated global team who bring diverse perspectives, experience and expertise, all collaboratively focused on achieving our bold mission of bringing innovative and life-saving therapies to cancer patients. As an integral part of the DA leadership team, this is an opportunity to join in this mission and change lives.At NIBR Oncology, our people, and our patients, are our passion.This role is a key scientific leader and integral part of the Oncology DA leadership team accountable for all translational research for the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR) oncology portfolio spanning multiple therapeutic modalities (i.e. CAR-T, biologics, bispecifics, radioligand therapies, low molecular weight molecules). This role will lead both forward and reverse translation of pre-clinical and clinical oncology and Immuno-Oncology (IO) programs including translational research, clinical biomarkers, pathology, and next-gen sequencing. As a senior leader, this role will interface extensively with both research, drug discovery, oncology data sciences, exploratory immuno-oncology, early clinical development and the late stage clinical development team including the precision medicine group guiding exploratory biomarker plan design and strategy.Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Key Scientific Accountabilities: - Directs the successful translation of pre-clinical research to human clinical trials, conducts analysis of pathways to find links to disease using both pre-clinical and clinical patient samples.- Guides exploratory biomarker plan design and strategy for TCO and GDD trials.- Integrates basic biology, biomarker, genomic, transcriptomic, imaging and clinical PK, safety and efficacy data to inform on clinical decision making, mechanisms of response and resistance to therapy, as well as fundamental disease biology.- Collaborates closely with the Oncology Data Science group to analyze high-dimensional pre-clinical and clinical data to enable clinical decision making, understand response and resistance to therapies and ultimately inform our future oncology research strategy.- May identify and integrate new technologies (i.e. imaging, sequencing, proteomics, etc) and new biomarker assays to support translational research for our clinical programs.- Responsible for quality and compliance at the functional level including biomarker protocols written in IND or CTA filings for our global clinical studies.- Interfaces closely with the late stage clinical development group to enable translational research informing our late stage clinical studies.Key Leadership Accountabilities:- Lead a large global team responsible for setting, driving and executing the translational research strategy in alignment with the broader organization.- Ensure seamless collaboration across relevant line functions. Work closely and effectively with other functional/sub-functional heads to foster collaborations- Develop talent pipeline through recruitment activities and being a mentor, coach and educational resource across Novartis; mentor at highest level (ie. outside of area of expertise)- Deploy & prioritize resources across units and / or global projects. May include possible oversight and support to project deliveries across functions- Member of the oncology leadership team and responsible for representing research at senior levels/ disease boards and other internal/external forums- Member of the early clinical development leadership team (TCO-LT) and provides guidance on the biomarker strategy for all phase 1 and first-in-human studies- Partner with the OLT to establish a 3-5 year oncology strategy and execute on the strategy including leading efforts in new areas of technology, biomarkers, disease biology, and translational science that are in line with our long-term strategy and vision.- Partner with business development to gain access to new technology and data platforms that will help inform and accelerate our translational research strategy.The ideal location for this role is the East Hanover, NJ site but remote work may be possible (there may be some restrictions based on legal entity). Please note that this role would not provide relocation as a result. If associate is remote, all home office expenses and any travel/lodging to the East Hanover, NJ site for periodic live meetings will be at the employee''s expense. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and/or international) will be defined by the hiring manager. This position will require 50% travel.EEO StatementThe Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. 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 are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.Minimum requirementsWHAT YOU''LL BRING TO THE ROLE:- M.D. or Ph.D. or comparable doctoral degree in a relevant discipline.- Outstanding scientific depth and breadth with a demonstrated track record of high impact publications and external presence in the field of oncology, immuno-oncology, or oncology translational research.- Strong leadership presence and the ability to develop talent; demonstrated ability to lead and influence ideally within a global matrixed organization.- Ability to influence and impact decision-making at the highest levels of the organization.- Experience working with senior leaders (CEO, President, Board members), and equally comfortable collaborating with junior associates- Excellent analytical and communication skills; strong ability to translate science.- Greater than 10 years'' experience in an academic setting (with tenure), a pharmaceutical or biotech-based company ideally with multiple years in a matrixed leadership role.- Must have a broad scientific/ technology knowledge base in the area of oncology including a track record of leading oncology programs from research stage to clinical development.Why Novartis?766 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2021, and while we''re proud of this, we know there is so much more we could do to help improve and extend people''s lives.We believe new insights, perspectives and ground-breaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation. That a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment inspires new ways of working.We believe our potential can thrive and grow in an unbossed culture underpinned by integrity, curiosity and flexibility. And we can reinvent what''s possible, when we collaborate with courage to aggressively and ambitiously tackle the world''s toughest medical challenges. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying!Imagine what you could do here at Novartis!Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations: Individuals in need of a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or disability for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [Click Here to Email Your Resumé] or call +1 (877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.Vaccine Policy: While Novartis does not require vaccination at this time, for certain Novartis sites in the US all associates and candidates may be required to either upload an image of their COVID-19 vaccine card demonstrating proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 (or other similar evidence of vaccination) or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken by the associate or candidate within the past seven days to enter any of our sites and/or customer office or healthcare facility, as well as prior to participating in other work related off-site meetings. Employees working in customer-facing roles must adhere to and comply with customers'' (such as hospitals, physician offices, etc.) credentialing guidelines, which may require vaccination. As required by applicable law, Novartis will consider requests for reasonable accommodation for those unable to be vaccinated. This requirement is subject to applicable state and local laws and may not be applicable to employees working in certain jurisdictions. Please send accommodation requests to [Click Here to Email Your Resumé].Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: /network. This employer is a corporate member of myGwork - LGBTQ+ professionals, the business community for LGBTQ+ professionals, students, inclusive employers & anyone who believes in workplace equality.

Created: 2025-10-04