Therapeutic Area Head, PK Sciences – Immunology

Salary Range:

CHF169,400.00 - CHF314,600.00

Band

Level 7

Job Description Summary

• #LI-Hybrid
• Internal 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. I