Novartis
Head of Neurodegeneration, Translational Medicine
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Salary Range: £120,508.50 - £223,801.50
Job Description Summary
#LI-Hybrid
Internal job title: Executive Director
Location: London, UK
As the Head of Neurodegeneration within Translational Medicine, you will serve as a senior scientific and strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the translational strategy for neurodegenerative therapeutic programs. You will provide expert guidance bridging research, early clinical development, and biomarker/experimental medicine innovation to advance assets from discovery through proof-of-concept and into full development.
In addition, you will lead or integrate global, cross-functional teams to design, implement, and execute cutting-edge translational strategies, and act as an influential thought partner in neurodegenerative disease biology, clinical development, and emerging therapeutic modalities.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Scientific Direction
- Define and oversee the long-term translational strategy for the Neurodegeneration Pillar, ensuring scientific excellence and alignment with broader BR and TM organizational priorities.
- Serve as a senior advisor and thought leader within neurodegeneration disorders, leveraging deep specialty expertise to inform program design, biomarker strategy, and patient-relevant endpoints.
Program & Portfolio Leadership
- Lead global translational teams across Phase I–IIa (“Discovery” through TDP), driving implementation of high-quality development strategies in single or multiple neurodegeneration indications.
- Represent TM on global program teams (GPT) and decision boards, ensuring that neurodegeneration programs meet quality, regulatory, and differentiation objectives.
Translational & Clinical Development Excellence
- Lead the design and execution of First-in-Human (FIH) and Phase IIa studies, working collaboratively with clinical, regulatory, biomarker, and profiling partners.
- Leads the creation of clinical components of key documents e.g., Clinical Trial Protocols (CTPs), Investigator’s Brochures, Clinical Study Reports (CSRs), regulatory documents etc. with high levels of quality and consistency
Leadership of People, Culture, and Matrix Teams
- Serve as a culture champion, promoting empowerment, innovation, and collaboration across TM and broader BR organizations.
- Mentor and develop scientific talent across translational and clinical functions.
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External Impact & Partnerships
- Lead interactions with external stakeholders (e.g., regulatory authorities, key opinion leaders, data monitoring committees, advisory boards etc.) and internal NVS stakeholders
- Contribute to opportunity assessments and due diligence for neurodegeneration and adjacent therapeutic areas.
Governance, Compliance & Documentation
Essential Requirements:
- MD and PhD required with clinical subspecialty training in neurological diseases with deep expertise in neurodegeneration disorders
- A minimum of 10+ years of extensive experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics.
- Demonstrated success leading complex global programs and cross-functional scientific teams.
- Proven ability to shape development strategies, execute early clinical studies, and influence regulatory/packages supporting differentiation.
- Experience working in pharmaceutical/biotech company strongly preferred.
Desirable Requirements:
- Direct people management experience
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: £120,508.50 - £223,801.50 GBP
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 14 weeks paid parental leave.
In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.
You may be eligible for a company vehicle or a car allowance in accordance with the applicable local Novartis policies and guidelines.
Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.
Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:
https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf
Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.
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Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.
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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
Skills Desired
- Clinical Decision Making
- Clinical Research
- Clinical Trials
- Drug Development
- Leadership
- People Management
- Risk Management
- Strategy Development
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