Novartis Hiring for Principal Scientist: Program Team Lead Preclinical Research job in San Diego Full Time

Job Description
About the role:
Novartis has a key interest in developing transformative therapies for neurological diseases. Molecular therapies promise to revolutionize our abilities to treat CNS diseases with high unmet clinical needs. Novartis has made inroads with SMA AAV gene replacement therapy (Zolgensma) to dramatically change disease outcome, yet additional modalities will be needed to address the full breadth of CNS disorders. Our multidisciplinary teams are working on leveraging several technology platforms to design novel therapies for our patients.

For one of our key neuroscience sites for molecular medicine development, located in San Diego, CA, we seek a highly motivated and talented Program Team Leader with a successful track record of leading multi-functional teams to drive preclinical research towards FIH. This candidate will report to the Associate Director of Preclinical Research, Neuroscience Gene Therapy Unit and work closely with Translational Medicine and Program Management to align research activities with timelines.
This candidate would function as co-lead for multi-disciplinary teams to drive forward established programs and would be instrumental for breaking into new areas of therapeutic and technological interest.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Oversee the pre-clinical aspects of neuroscience programs from concept development to IND-enabling studies
• Contribute to the development of treatment strategies, management of in vitro and in vivo studies, data analysis and interpretation for report writing and presentation
• Primary responsibility to co-lead the research team to IND application
• Scientific leadership in support of translational research activities to generate genetic medicine therapies
• Will serve as the face of the program, including being the subject matter expert.
• Responsible for overseeing research, experimental design, and efficient implementation in cooperation with functional heads.
• Coordinate timelines for projects; tracks progress of cross-functional core team activities.
• Identify risks, potential bottlenecks or delays and proposes options to overcome these.
• Participate in academic outreach and partnership to support existing and potential new programs and aid in the company’s strategic decision making for new areas of research.
• Presentation of data and strategy to the internal management boards and external scientific presentation at conferences and meetings.
• Timely provision of data and contribution to the preparation of documents to support intellectual property filings and regulatory submissions.

Minimum requirements
What you’ll bring to the role:
• MD, PhD, or equivalent advanced biology degree, preferably with neuroscience training
• Experienced scientist with 3+ years’ experience in the drug development process and 1+ years’ people management experience
• Strong proficiency in fundamental aspects of drug development and demonstrated ability to advance pipeline programs as required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills across all levels within and external to the organization
• Familiarity with basic neuroscience concepts related to neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases
• Experience with genetic medicine therapeutic approaches preferred
• Experience with CNS disorders preferred
• Experience as lab group leader with hands-on skills preferred
• Familiarity with broad concepts of different genetic treatment modalities, such as gene replacement therapy, gene modulation/editing and/or RNAi. In-depth knowledge of RNAi therapeutics preferred.

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 achieve here at Novartis!

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

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

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.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $118,000 and $177,000/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/23 through 12/31/23, 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,