Director, Translational Medicine Expert; Neurodegeneration

#LI-Hybrid
Internal

Title:

Director

Location:

Cambridge, MA, USA

Key Responsibilities:

1. Translational Strategy & Program Leadership

• • Define and execute integrated translational strategies across neurodegeneration programs
  • Lead translational components from preclinical to 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

2. 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 PoC decisions
  • Integrate biomarker strategy into clinical protocols and operational plans
  • Drive early biomarker de‑risking
    , a key priority in neuromuscular programs

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

• 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.

• Experience working in pharmaceutical/biotech company strongly preferred.
• PhD, PharmD, or equivalent in:
  • Neurology / Neuroscience
  • Neurodegenerative diseases

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.

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…