Head, Oncology Drug Discovery - San Diego

Location: San Diego, United States. Relocation Support: Yes.

Lead the next wave of oncology innovation and help redefine what’s possible for patients with cancer. As Head of Oncology Drug Discovery in San Diego, you will shape and deliver a leading scientific strategy that drives breakthrough therapies from early target discovery through development candidate nomination and Investigational New Drug enabling studies. This is a rare opportunity to combine deep scientific expertise with enterprise-level leadership—guiding multidisciplinary teams, influencing portfolio direction, and building a high-performing organization that accelerates the delivery of transformative medicines. Your work will help position San Diego as a key engine of oncology innovation and development candidate delivery within Novartis Biomedical Research.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the scientific strategy for oncology drug discovery across the San Diego site.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams advancing programs from target validation through development candidate nomination and Investigational New Drug enabling studies.
• Own portfolio strategy, prioritization, and resourcing decisions to deliver impactful oncology innovation.
• Partner with global and site leaders to align discovery programs with overall oncology portfolio strategy.
• Champion novel therapeutic approaches, including advanced small-molecule modalities and emerging discovery platforms.
• Build and strengthen external partnerships to accelerate scientific innovation and program progression.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality preclinical data packages supporting clinical translation and development readiness.
• Mentor and develop scientific and project leaders while building a high-performing oncology research organization.
• Represent San Diego as a strategic oncology hub, fostering collaboration across the Novartis global research network.
• Drive data-driven decision making at key milestones to maximize portfolio value and patient impact.

Essential Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related scientific field.
• Minimum fifteen years of experience in oncology research and end-to-end drug discovery.
• Deep expertise in cancer biology and translational science across discovery and preclinical development.
• Proven track record delivering development candidates and advancing programs to Investigational New Drug submission readiness.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex research programs across a matrix environment.
• Strong publication history as a senior or corresponding author in high-impact oncology journals.
• Extensive experience leading small‑molecule oncology programs from discovery through development candidate selection.
• Exceptional leadership and talent development capability with experience building high-performing scientific organizations.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience advancing oncology programs using biologic therapeutic approaches in addition to small-molecule discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in targeted protein degradation, induced proximity, or closely related small-molecule discovery approaches.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $248,500.00 - 461,500.00 USD Annual per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

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