Novartis Hiring for Executive Director Process Development Gene Therapy job in Durham Full Time

About the role
The Executive Director, Process Development for Gene Therapies, leads the Process Development function for TRD (Technical Research & Development) Cell & Gene Therapies, comprising of multiple functions supporting all viral vector development. Shape, develop, and lead its strategic and scientific direction and drive operational excellence in line with TRD Biologics & CGT vision and strategy. Acts as an ambassador for the Novartis Culture – Inspired, Curious and Unbossed.

*This position also has the ability to be located at our San Diego, California facility.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Leads Process Development function for Gene Therapies in TRD, comprising multiple development projects in various locations
• Develop, implement, drive and regularly refine the global strategy for process development in line with TRD CGT vision and strategy, as well reflecting customer needs and expectations
• Build and maintain an effective, agile, high performing multi-site organization that consistently supports existing and future product portfolio. Ensure efficient processes and business practices, drive continuous, knowledge exchange and lessons learnt.
• Ensure optimal resource allocation and appropriate make vs. buy decisions in alignment with project priorities, technology strategy and business impact in line with TRD CGT governance processes
• Optimize laboratory utilization and efficiency, while fully supporting clinical demands
• Closely work and align with partner functions within Gene Therapies, TRD CGT, and Biologics TRD.
•Establish and maintain strong business relations and interfaces to key partners and stakehold-ers such as Technical Operations, Biomedical Research, Development, Quality, Procurement, RA CMC etc.
• Proactively shape the process development environment by fully utilizing internal and external know-how as well as cutting edge technologies, techniques and approaches, continuously push and operationalize innovation and data & digital initiatives in line with TRD CGT strategy
• Achieve a true culture of collaboration, empowerment, innovation, diversity and inclusion, trust, high performance and continuous learning
• Drive talent acquisition and retention, succession planning and professional development of all associates to fully unleash their potential
• Actively coach and develop direct reports
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations (e.g. ISEC, GMP and HSE) and establish related accountabilities within the organization
• Ensure high quality source documents and dossier modules (where applicable) for regulatory submissions
• As a member of the TRD CGT global leadership team, actively contribute to TRD CGT strategy, vision and operations; represent TRD CGT at cross-functional decision-/governance boards (as appropriate)
• Closely works with the partners within Research and Development organizations to expedite the advancement of Cell Therapies based pipeline projects toward successful IND filings.
• Provides technical expertise to guide the development of new and/or improved processes for consistent, high-quality production.
• Provides authorship and/or feedback for the regulatory CMC packages related to the manufacturing processes for IND filings and applications for approval (BLA/MAA/NDA).
• Provides timely responses to process development requests from health authorities during the global filings of the product for ongoing approvals.
• Oversees and ensures the timely delivery of process development, qualification and transfer from PD to Operations for GMP manufacture.
• Oversees and ensures the timely delivery of all the post-approval commitments of commercial product to the health authorities.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the Gene Therapy Process Development department.
• A member of the Global TRD CGT Leadership Team.
• Other related job duties as assigned.Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations: Individuals in need of a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or disability for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know the nature of your request, your contact information and the job requisition number in your message:

• Novartis: e-mail [email protected] or call +1 (877)395-2339
• Sandoz: e-mail [email protected] or call: +1-609-422-4098

Role Requirements
What you’ll bring to the role:

• Ph.D. in cellular biology, virology, chemical engineering, Molecular Biology, Biology, Genetics, Analytical/Organic.
• Engineering and/or related natural science discipline
• 15 years of process experience in developing, qualifying, validating, and tech transferring manufacturing processes
• Knowledge in GxP compliance and data integrity is required to ensure smooth transition of the qualified method to Operations.
• Prior experience in the gene therapy and/or other advanced therapeutics is strongly preferred
• Proven track record of outstanding management and leadership skills to build and oversee a large, high-performing team (60+ members) with diversified expertise including gene therapies including AAV and LVV, process development, transfer, and validation, and process automation.
• Demonstrated ability with well-established reputation in developing, transferring, and implementing innovative, value-added manufacturing processes from scratch.
• Diversified experience and knowledge in a wide spectrum of CMC development suitable for adequately producing cell therapeutics.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $222,400 and $333,600/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 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.

Why Novartis?
236 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2022, and while we’re proud of this, we know there is so much more we could do to help improve and extend people’s lives.

We believe new insights, perspectives and ground-breaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation. That a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment inspires new ways of working.

We believe our potential can thrive and grow in an unbossed culture underpinned by integrity, curiosity and flexibility. And we can reinvent what’s possible, when we collaborate with courage to aggressively and ambitiously tackle the world’s toughest medical challenges. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying!
Imagine what you could do here at Novartis!

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] 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.