Therapeutic Area Head, PK Sciences – Immunology
Salary Range:
CHF169,400.00 - CHF314,600.00
Band
Level 7
Job Description Summary
#LI-HybridInternal Title: TA Head, PKS Immunology
Location: Basel
We are seeking an accomplished and visionary scientific leader to join us as TA Head, PK Sciences (PKS) Immunology. In this highly visible role, you will lead a cross-functional scientific organization spanning pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, bioanalysis, and quantitative pharmacology across discovery, early development, and late-stage development. You will play a critical role in advancing the immunology portfolio, shaping integrated development strategies and enabling high-quality portfolio decisions.
As TA Head, PKS Immunology, you will provide strategic and scientific leadership across a portfolio of diverse modalities with a broad translational sciences remit. 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 and serve as an important internal and external representative of the organization.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Define and implement integrated platform and program strategies from discovery through registration
Support data-driven decision-making and differentiated development strategies for the immunology portfolio
Oversee pharmacokinetic, clinical pharmacology, bioanalytical and quantitative pharmacology contributions to regulatory submissions and supporting documentation
Support health authority interactions by ensuring high-quality scientific input into development and regulatory strategies
Drive cross-functional collaboration across discovery, development, regulatory, and other key partner functions to ensure rigorous and efficient program execution
Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing scientific team, including oversight of PKS Immunology scientists
Serve as a scientific thought leader internally and externally through collaborations, publications, presentations, and participation in relevant scientific forums
Promote operational excellence through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and effective use of resources
Leverage digital tools, AI, and automation, where appropriate, to enhance insight generation, efficiency, and decision-making
Leadership Behaviors in Action
Deliver results through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on value and outcomes
Demonstrate an enterprise mindset and strong ownership by prioritizing resources and decisions for maximum portfolio and patient impact
Role‑model leadership behaviors through visible actions, continuous self‑reflection, and openness to feedback
Build trust through transparent communication, clear accountability, and consistent delivery against commitments
Empower others to innovate and improve while maintaining high scientific, ethical, and operational standards
AI Fluency
Bring strong AI and digital fluency, using enterprise tools to enhance insight generation, decision‑making, and team productivity
Accountable for the ethical, transparent, and compliant use of AI in line with enterprise AI governance and data protection standards
External Eminence
Act as an external thought leader, advancing and elevating Novartis’ reputation in translational science and innovation
Operational Excellence
Drive operational excellence through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and effective use of resources to maximize PKS and enterprise value
Act as a responsible steward of people, data, and digital capabilities, leveraging AI and automation to improve efficiency, quality, and decision speed
Apply value‑based prioritization and resource awareness to ensure efforts are focused on the highest‑impact scientific and portfolio outcomes
Essential Requirements
PhD or PharmD in pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline
Significant biopharmaceutical industry experience, typically 12 or more years, spanning preclinical and clinical drug research and development, including senior leadership responsibility
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including hiring, mentoring, coaching, and developing scientific talent
Strong understanding of global regulatory requirements and experience contributing to submissions such as INDs, IMPDs, NDAs, and BLAs
Proven ability to work effectively in a matrixed, cross-functional environment and influence across teams and organizational levels
Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of scientific rigor and sound judgment
Desirable Requirements
Experience in immunological disease
Experience in bioanalytical assay development and immunogenicity assessments
Demonstrated experience across different modalities, including small molecules, mAbs, and potentially CAR-T cell therapies
Familiarity with late-stage development and registration-enabling activities
Experience applying digital tools, AI, or machine learning to scientific decision-making and development execution
Track record of external scientific visibility through publications, presentations, or industry/academic engagement
Benefits & Rewards
At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.
Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:
169,400.00 - 314,600.00 CHF Annual
The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.
In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.
The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.
In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.
Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.
Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:
https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf
Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Accessibility and accommodation
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a
position, please send an e-mail to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Skills Desired
Chemistry, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Research, Collaboration, Communication, Enterprise Mindset, Leadership, Patient Care