Associate Director, Nonclinical Safety Assessment Expert (Multiple Therapeutic Areas)

Summary

Internal Title: Associate Director
#LI-Hybrid
Location: Cambridge, MA

In this key role you will provide global, end to end nonclinical safety leadership across multiple therapeutic areas and modalities, ensuring scientifically robust, fit for purpose, and regulatory compliant safety strategies that enable successful clinical trial initiation and support registration. You will serve as the primary Preclinical Safety (PCS) authority on cross functional R&D teams and in interactions with global Health Authorities.

You will be a critical enabler of portfolio progression, providing authoritative nonclinical safety leadership, regulatory credibility with Health Authorities, and strategic integration across therapeutic areas and modalities. Success is defined by timely clinical entry, robust regulatory outcomes, and strong cross functional trust in PCS scientific leadership.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:
•    Lead PCS Target Teams to design, integrate, interpret, and apply nonclinical safety assessment programs, including impact on development strategy and timelines.
•    Represent Preclinical Safety on cross functional R&D project teams, ensuring scientifically sound and globally compliant nonclinical safety packages.
•    Define and implement fit for purpose, modality appropriate nonclinical programs in collaboration with PCS and external line functions.
•    Lead global Health Authority interactions, including negotiation on safety issues, scientific interpretation, and acceptability of nonclinical packages.
•    Author nonclinical safety sections of internal and regulatory documents supporting clinical development and market approval (e.g., IND/NDA).
•    Drive and coordinate communication strategies between PCS and R&D project teams.
•    Participate in internal and external cross functional initiatives advancing PCS and/or Translational Medicine objectives and current safety topics.
•    Support integration of in licensing and out licensing opportunities, including collaboration with BD&L and integration activities.

Essential Requirements:
•    Advanced scientific degree (PhD, MD, DVM, PharmD, or equivalent) in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or related discipline; or DABT; or equivalent industry experience.
•    Experience as a nonclinical safety Project Team member, preferably across multiple development phases up to registration.
•   5 or more years of experience in nonclinical drug development (e.g., project toxicologist, pharmacologist, study director).
•    Demonstrated expertise across multiple modalities (e.g., small molecules, biotherapeutics, oligonucleotides) and their safety considerations.
•    Proven track record of direct interaction with global Health Authorities, including IND submission writing.
•    Recognized scientific and regulatory expertise in nonclinical safety assessment within a global drug development context.
•    Demonstrated leadership and influence in complex, matrix managed, international project environments.
•    Strong problem-solving capability in multidisciplinary, project driven settings.

Desirable Experience:
•    Prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
•    Participation in external consortia/committees relevant to drug development or safety assessment.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $152,600 and $283,400 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. To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here .

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

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 & 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 [email protected] or call Show phone number and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.