Associate Director / Associate Directoress - Extractables & Leachables - Technical Development

Job ID: REQ-10085154

Date Posted: August 12, 2026

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Summary

Work Arrangement: Onsite (#Onsite)

This position is based in Basel, Switzerland. Please note that Novartis is unable to offer relocation support; therefore, only candidates already accessible to the location should apply. Apply online using the form below.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Director to support the local Extractables & Leachables (E&L) Specialty team. This role involves contributing to the development and overseeing the implementation of E&L testing and assessment strategies in alignment with our global E&L community and the broader organization. You will work within a multidisciplinary project team focused on developing biological drugs.

Role Purpose

As Associate Director in the Extractables & Leachables (E&L) Specialty CH within Process Analytical Sciences (PAS), you will be part of a dedicated team of 4+ associates, which includes laboratory scientists and analytical experts. Your primary responsibility will be managing Extractables & Leachables activities related to late-phase assets, with a focus on complex and innovative medicines, such as Antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) and Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert support to a team of 4+ associates, including laboratory scientists and E&L experts.
• Guide the specialty team in alignment with business priorities and established strategies on technical, scientific, and project management matters.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for E&L and spearhead relevant initiatives within the broader organization.
• Engage with stakeholders and partners, such as Drug Substance (DS) and Drug Product (DP) development, Manufacturing Science and Technology (MS&T), and toxicologists, and manage interfaces to facilitate workflows.
• Coordinate end-to-end project support on relevant E&L activities and ensure submission readiness for assigned projects.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by applying principles from relevant guidelines (e.g., FDA, ICH, USP, ISO).
• Support the integration of Data & Digital tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in E&L workflows and contribute to or lead related initiatives.

Essential Requirements

• University degree (preferably PhD) in Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of proven experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• At least 5 years in a leadership position with a successful track record of leading teams.
• Advanced knowledge of Extractables & Leachables (including Analytics/Regulation) and biotechnological CMC development.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team of scientists in a dynamic environment.
• Solid business acumen aligned with organizational strategy and priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking, high learning agility, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Why Novartis

Helping people affected by disease and their families requires more than innovative science. It demands a community of smart, passionate individuals who collaborate, support, and inspire one another. Together, we can achieve breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Are you ready to create a brighter future with us?

Benefits and Rewards

Discover how we will support your personal and professional development. Learn more in our handbook.

Compensation

Salary Range: CHF 126,000.00 - CHF 234,000.00

Company Information

Division: Development
Business Unit: Development
Location: Switzerland
Site: Basel (City)
Company/Legal Entity: C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG
Functional Area: Research & Development
Job Type: Full time
Employment Type: Regular
Shift Work: No

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.