Associate Director, ADC platform in Oncology Drug Discovery

Job Description Summary #LI-Onsite

Location:

Cambridge, MA, USAAbout the Role We are seeking an accomplished Associate Director to join our discovery organization and lead scientific strategy across ADC payloads, linker technologies, and conjugation approaches. This role is central to advancing differentiated antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and related targeted therapeutics by integrating deep payload expertise, linker/conjugation knowledge, and biology-driven mechanism-of-action insights.

The ideal candidate brings strong industry experience in ADC discovery or development, with a proven track record of applying payload, linker, and conjugation expertise to therapeutic program strategy. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to design, evaluate, and advance next-generation ADC concepts with the goal of delivering transformative therapies to patients.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities Lead scientific strategy for ADC payload selection, linker design, conjugation approaches, and related platform innovations

Apply deep expertise across payload classes, mechanisms of action, potency, resistance biology, bystander activity, and tolerability to guide program design

Partner with chemistry, biology, protein engineering, pharmacology, translational sciences, and CMC teams to advance next-generation ADCsEvaluate and prioritize novel payloads, linker technologies, and conjugation approaches for internal programs and external opportunities

Provide biology-driven insights into payload mechanism of action, tumor context, therapeutic index, and combination strategies

Design and guide experimental strategies to assess ADC activity, selectivity, resistance mechanisms, linker stability, and payload-related pharmacology

Contribute to next-generation ADC platform strategy, including differentiated payload-linker concepts and biology-aligned ADC design

Represent payload/linker expertise in cross-functional project teams, governance discussions, and external collaborations

Monitor scientific, clinical, competitive, and IP landscapes related to ADC payloads, linkers, and emerging targeted modalities

Mentor scientists and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing research environment

Essential Requirements Ph.D. in cancer biology, pharmacology, chemical biology, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, bioengineering, or related discipline5–10 years of relevant industry experience in ADC discovery, targeted therapeutics, or oncology drug discovery

Extensive expertise in ADC payloads, including mechanism of action, potency, resistance biology, and therapeutic index considerations

Strong knowledge of linker and conjugation technologies, including stability, release mechanisms, site-specific conjugation, and develop ability

Deep understanding of ADC biology including tumor targeting, internalization, trafficking, payload release, bystander effects, and pharmacology

Demonstrated ability to integrate biology, chemistry, and translational data into actionable program strategies

Proven experience leading cross-functional scientific discussions and influencing program direction

Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills

Novartis Compensation and Benefit

Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $152,600-$283,400 USD Annual per 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…