Director, Therapeutic Area Biomarker Lead (Neuroscience)

Office Location & Working Arrangement

London (The Westworks), United Kingdom

Hybrid: 12 days per month on-site if living within 50 miles of our London office

Remote: if living beyond 50 miles of our London office

Relocation Support: Novartis is unable to offer relocation support – please apply only if the location is accessible to you.

About This Role

As Director, TABL (Neuroscience), you will play a key role in bringing innovative therapies closer to patients by translating scientific discovery into real-world clinical impact. You will work alongside passionate, cross‑functional teams across research, development, and data science, contributing your expertise to advance precision medicine across a diverse portfolio.

Major Accountabilities

• Accountable for development and implementation of the biomarker strategy for a portfolio of programs/disease indications and coordinate biomarker and diagnostics-related elements for clinical projects, in close collaboration with research, development, precision medicine, and commercial teams.
• Identify potential project hurdles, provide solutions and establish contingency plans. Represent Biomarker Development (BMD) on Biomedical Research (BR) or Development project teams.
• Supervise, train, and mentor Biomarker Experts, ensuring line function excellence in administrative efficiency, scientific and technical achievement.
• Contribute expert biomarker input into key clinical and regulatory documents, including clinical study protocols, clinical study reports, investigator brochures, IND/IMPDs, and NDA/BLA submissions, addressing all regulatory requirements with minimal supervision.
• Lead the biomarker component of study protocols, reports, project summaries and development plans within agreed timelines and regulatory requirements; prepare responses to Health Authority questions globally.
• Lead/co‑lead the Translational Data Science Committee and analytical clusters; oversee biomarker analyses and report data to project teams and stakeholders.
• Lead Biomarker sub‑teams, coordinate with sub‑team members, implement project strategy and prepare summary documentation.
• Maintain and enhance technical and drug development expertise through training courses and external meetings; train other BMD associates and act as a scientific subject‑matter expert.
• Publish internally and externally as a main contributor; patent applications; review current literature and share insights.

Role Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Pharmacy with a strong background in biomarker development or related biological sciences.
• Minimum eight to ten years’ experience in drug development functions such as biomarker or translational science.
• At least five years’ experience within a relevant line function in industry, academia, or regulatory agency.
• Extensive knowledge of disease biomarkers, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and experience supporting clinical and regulatory documentation.
• Demonstrated success leading and influencing multidisciplinary global project teams, with strong negotiation skills.
• Proven leadership with strong coaching, mentoring, and people‑management capabilities.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; additional languages are an advantage.
• Excellent organizational and project‑management skills.

Benefits & Rewards

Expected Annual Base Salary Range: GB£ 83,510 – 155,090.

In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for a performance‑based bonus and long‑term equity awards. Other benefits include company vehicle or car allowance (per local policies), insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs. Flexible and hybrid working options are available where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave is offered.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in accordance with the Novartis Code of Ethics.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.