Head, Oncology Immune Therapeutics

Head, Oncology Immune Therapeutics

Step into a pivotal leadership role at the forefront of oncology innovation, where your work will directly shape the future of cancer treatment. As Head, Oncology Immune Therapeutics, you will define and lead the global research and drug discovery strategy across cutting-edge modalities including cell and gene therapies, immune cell engager therapies, and next-generation biologics. You will partner across a highly collaborative scientific ecosystem to translate bold ideas into breakthrough therapies, driving a high-impact portfolio from early discovery through development candidate selection. This is a unique opportunity to combine deep scientific expertise with strategic influence, building and leading a world-class team while delivering meaningful advances for patients worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the global immuno-oncology research and drug discovery strategy across multiple therapeutic modalities
• Lead end-to-end discovery programs from hypothesis through development candidate nomination and regulatory readiness
• Drive a high-impact oncology pipeline spanning exploratory research, optimization, and clinical-enabling activities
• Provide scientific and strategic leadership across cross-functional teams to advance oncology immune therapeutic programs
• Shape and prioritize a competitive research portfolio through data-driven decision making and resource allocation
• Partner with senior stakeholders to align strategy across research, development, commercial, and strategic functions
• Lead external innovation through evaluation and execution of business development and collaboration opportunities
• Establish and advance new scientific directions in immuno-oncology, including novel targets and therapeutic approaches
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global organization with deep expertise in cell therapy and immuno-oncology
• Represent the oncology immune therapeutics strategy and portfolio to executive leadership and external scientific communities

Essential Requirements:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Medical Doctor (MD) in oncology, immunology, biology or related scientific field
• Deep expertise in immuno-oncology and cell therapy, including experience with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies
• Proven track record leading end-to-end oncology research from discovery through development candidate nomination
• Extensive experience advancing biologics, cell therapies, or gene therapies to Investigational New Drug enabling stage
• Demonstrated leadership of large, multidisciplinary scientific teams and development of senior talent
• Strong scientific credibility with a record of high-impact publications as senior or corresponding author
• Strategic mindset with ability to make data-driven portfolio and investment decisions across complex programs
• Broad industry knowledge and external network across oncology research, clinical development, and biotechnology landscape

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience leading external scientific collaborations, partnerships, or business development evaluations in oncology therapeutics
• Track record of shaping enterprise-wide research strategy and influencing senior decision forums across a global matrix

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $288,400.00 - $535,600.00 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.

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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.

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 View email address on talent.com or call View phone number on talent.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$288,400.00 - $535,600.00

Skills Desired

Biotechnology, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Data Science, Decision Making, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Influence, Influencing Skills, Leadership, Lifesciences, Management, Medical Research, Mentorship, Molecular Biology, Presentation Skills, Process Simulation, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Leadership