Executive Director, Development Sciences

#LI-Hybrid Internal Title: Executive DirectorLocation: San Diego, CAWe are seeking an accomplished and visionary scientific leader to join us as Executive Director, Development Sciences. In this highly visible role, you will lead a cross-functional scientific organization spanning pharmacokinetics, bioanalysis, quantitative pharmacology, biomarker sciences, and toxicology across discovery, early development, and potentially late-stage development. You will play a critical role in advancing translational understanding of the Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOC) platform, shaping integrated development strategies, and enabling high-quality portfolio decisions.As Executive Director, Development Sciences, you will provide strategic and scientific leadership across a broad translational sciences remit, with particular emphasis on pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, bioanalysis, preclinical safety, and biomarkers. You will be responsible for defining fit-for-purpose development strategies across programs, ensuring scientific rigor in execution, and building strong partnerships across research, development, regulatory, and portfolio teams. This role requires a leader who combines deep technical expertise with strong organizational leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to influence across a matrixed organization. You will also lead and develop scientists based at the San Diego site and serve as an important internal and external representative of the organization.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the Development Sciences organization and provide strategic direction across pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, bioanalysis, toxicology, biomarker sciences, and allied translational sciences areasDefine and implement integrated platform and program strategies from discovery through registrationAdvance translational understanding of the AOC platform to support data-driven decision-making and differentiated development strategiesOversee pharmacokinetic, pharmacology, and nonclinical safety contributions to regulatory submissions and supporting documentationSupport health authority interactions by ensuring high-quality scientific input into development and regulatory strategiesDrive cross-functional collaboration across discovery, development, regulatory, and other key partner functions to ensure rigorous and efficient program executionBuild, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing scientific team, including oversight of scientists based at the San Diego siteServe as a scientific thought leader internally and externally through collaborations, publications, presentations, and participation in relevant scientific forumsPromote operational excellence through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and effective use of resourcesLeverage digital tools, AI, and automation, where appropriate, to enhance insight generation, efficiency, and decision-makingEssential RequirementsPhD or PharmD in pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, toxicology, biomarker sciences, pharmaceutics, biochemistry, or a related scientific disciplineSignificant biopharmaceutical industry experience, typically 12 or more years, spanning preclinical and clinical drug discovery and development, including senior leadership responsibilityDemonstrated people leadership experience, including hiring, mentoring, coaching, and developing scientific talentExperience supporting development programs involving biologics, monoclonal antibodies, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and or RNA-based medicinesStrong understanding of global regulatory requirements and experience contributing to submissions such as INDs, IMPDs, NDAs, and BLAsProven ability to work effectively in a matrixed, cross-functional environment and influence across teams and organizational levelsExcellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of scientific rigor and sound judgmentDesirable RequirementsExperience in neuroscience or neuromuscular diseaseExperience in bioanalytical assay development and biomarker strategyFamiliarity with late-stage development and registration-enabling activitiesExperience applying digital tools, AI, or machine learning to scientific decision-making and development executionTrack record of external scientific visibility through publications, presentations, or industry engagementThe salary for this position is expected to range between: $288,400-$535,600/yearThe 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.