Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration)

About the role

The Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration) will lead the end-to-end translational strategy for neurodegenerative programs, bridging preclinical research to early clinical development (Phase 1–2).

This role is accountable for biomarker strategy, clinical endpoint selection, and early phase trial design, enabling efficient, data-driven decision-making through key development milestones (e.g., Transition Decision Points) and ensuring competitive differentiation of neuromuscular assets.

In addition, he/she oversees the planning, execution, and interpretation of clinical trials research, data collection activities, and clinical operations. Establishes and approves scientific methods for design and implementation of clinical protocols, data collection systems, and final reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Translational Strategy & Program Leadership

• Define and execute integrated translational strategies across neurodegeneration programs

• Lead translational components from preclinical → Phase 1/2 clinical studies

• Drive program progression through key decision gates (e.g., IND, TDP, IDPA)

• Ensure strong mechanistic linkage between target biology, biomarkers, and clinical endpoints

• Biomarker & Endpoint Leadership

• Collaborate with Biomarker Development colleagues toward development and validation of:

• Molecular biomarkers (tissue, blood, CSF where applicable)

• Functional endpoints (strength, mobility, disease-specific measures)

• Patient-reported outcomes (PROs)

• Establishing quantitative biomarkers to support:

• Target engagement

• Disease modification

• Dose selection and Proof-of-Concept (PoC) decisions

• Integrate biomarker strategy into clinical protocols and operational plans

• Drive early biomarker de-risking, a key priority in neuromuscular programs

• Early Clinical Development (Phase 1/2)

• Co-lead design and execution of early clinical studies

• Define:

• Dose escalation strategy

• Exposure-response framework

• Translational endpoints (biopsy, imaging, functional)

• Ensure TM leadership within Clinical Trial Teams (CTTs) for:

• Trial design

• Execution oversight

• Data interpretation and decision-making

• Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as core Translational Medicine representative within global project teams

• Partner closely with:

• Clinical Development

• Biomarker Development

• Clinical Pharmacology (PKS)

• Preclinical Safety (PCS)

• Regulatory

• Drive alignment between research, TM, and development organizations

• External Scientific Leadership

• Build and lead collaborations with:

• Academic KOLs

• Patient advocacy groups (critical in rare neuromuscular disease)

• Technology partners (imaging, omics platforms)

• Contribute to scientific strategy and external positioning of programs

• Patient-Centered Development

• Integrate the patient voice into translational and clinical strategies

• Advance:

• Meaningful functional endpoints

• Patient-relevant outcome measures

• Innovative trial approaches (e.g., decentralized models where feasible)

• Portfolio Contribution & Strategic Input

• Contribute to:

• Asset prioritization and portfolio strategy

• Competitive differentiation strategy (e.g., vs RNA or gene therapy competitors)

• Provide scientific input to:

• Business development / due diligence

• Indication expansion strategies

Essential Requirements

• MD, neurologists, clinical training in neurodegenerative diseases

• Experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics

• Ability to shape development strategies, execute early clinical studies, and influence regulatory packages supporting differentiation

Desirable Requirements

• PhD, PharmD, or equivalent in: Neurology / Neuroscience Neurodegenerative diseases

Pay

The salary for this position is expected to range between: $248,500--$461,500/year

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

Benefits and Rewards

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Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.

Ready to create a brighter future together?

Learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people.

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] 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.