Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration)

Salary Range: CHF150,500.00 - CHF279,500.00

Job Description Summary

Internal job title: Director

Location: Basel, Switzerland

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. Support new and ongoing clinical research and clinical trials and ensure efficient and timely processing of confidentiality agreements and clinical agreements

Key Responsibilities:

• 1. 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

• 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

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:

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

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we're committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

• 150,500.00 - 279,500.00 CHF Annual

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum