Job Description Summary
The Medical Director / Sr. Medical Director provides critical input into strategic planning, tactical planning and implementation, and budget planning, specifically for the US medical affairs leadership of rapcabtagene autoleucel (YTB323) and ianalumab (VAY736), both in development for the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Lupus Nephritis (LN). The Medical Director will also drive strong collaboration and impact with Development, Global Clinical Operations, Global Medical, and US General Management teams and colleagues. Further, the medical director will drive collaboration with other program teams supporting additional therapies in development for the treatment of SLE and LN.
Specific responsibilities will include contributing to the execution of Phase 2/3 clinical trials in SLE and LN with cellular therapy in the treatment of severe, refractory disease; as well as Phase 3 clinical trials in moderate patients with monoclonal antibody therapy. Key remits will be meetings with Medical Experts / Investigators, new data generation, medical communications strategy/implementation, various internal and external presentations, and pre-launch strategic planning.
The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between 204,400 - 292,000 - 379,600/year for the Director level however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors
Job Description
Responsibilities include:
- Demonstrate solid competencies as a Medical Leader within the US Medical Affairs organization. Build positive, effective partnerships with US & Global Medical, Development and Global Operations colleagues.
- Strategic indication medical lead for SLE & LN indications, including annual strategy and tactical planning, with particular focus on clinical trial execution at US sites
- Foster strong relationships with not only National, but also key Regional and Local Medical Experts, including Investigators and Professional Societies, particularly in SLE and LN therapeutic areas. Support Medical Expert Engagement Strategy.
- Key member of the cross-functional Medical Strategy Team (MST), which drives Medical tactical development and excellence in execution.
- Co-develop strategically aligned study programs with Heath Economics & Outcomes Research (HEOR) leads.
- Work effectively with secondary data analytics team.
- Actively explore, plan, and implement innovative communications solutions – including through digital channels – to address strategic and scientific gaps.
- Co-develop a strong medical engagement plan with team, incorporating diverse Medical functions and capabilities.
- Drive advisory boards and work closely with Field Medical on insight-gathering initiatives.
Key Performance Indicators
- Ability to work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders to co-develop and execute strategic project plans.
- Ability to drive innovation and bring novel ideas to the organization.
- Ability to build trusting relationships with key external stakeholders (e.g., Medical Experts, Professional Societies, etc.).
- Successful portfolio management including contributions to multiple Development opportunities.
- Ability to effectively communicate and align key stakeholders to achieve objectives.
Position Requirements
- Doctorate level degree (MD, PharmD, DO, or PhD in Health Sciences or related field) or Nurse Practitioner (NP)/ Physician’s Assistant (PA) degree with significant relevant clinical experience required.
- Strong knowledge in the field of Rheumatology / Immunology, specifically SLE and/or LN preferred
- Strong knowledge in cellular therapies (eg, CAR-T) is a plus
- ≥7 years’ experience in progressively senior roles within clinical development and/or medical affairs in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry or academic institution/clinical practice.
- Clinical research experience – including concept and protocol development – conducted in a pharmaceutical or equivalent environment is strongly preferred.
- Solid understanding of clinical trial operations and experience driving patient recruitment solutions, is strongly preferred.
- Strong track record of positive, productive interactions with Medical Experts and Investigators.
- Established relationships with Medical Experts and Professional Societies in Therapeutic Area is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusting working relationships with external medical stakeholders.
- Demonstrated track record of managing cross functional projects.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and work collaboratively with multiple cross functional teams.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and comfort with complexity.
- Demonstrated strategic, analytical, and conceptual thinking ability.
- Strong organizational, decision-making and process management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proven ability to build productive relationships and teams internally and externally.
- US and European travel required. (20-25% annually, up to 30% seasonally).
- Location is remote, within the Continental US.
Position will be filled at a level commensurate with experience.
Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
EEO Statement:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers who are focused on building and advancing a culture of inclusion that values and celebrates individual differences, uniqueness, backgrounds and perspectives. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the world around us and connects us to the patients, customers and communities we serve.
Accessibility and reasonable accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Salary Range
$204,400.00 - $379,600.00
Skills Desired
Agility, Agility, Clinical Practices, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Employee Development, Healthcare Sector Understanding, Health Sciences, Influencing Skills, Innovation, Inspirational Leadership, Integrated Evidence Generation, Medical Affairs, Medical Communication, Medical Education, Patient Care, People Management, Pharmaceutics, Priority Disease Areas Expertise, Product Launches, Product Strategy, Real World Evidence (RWE), Regulatory Compliance, Research Methodologies {+ 4 more}
