Associate Director of Technical Development / Associate Directoress of Technical Development

Job ID

REQ-10085154

Date: Aug 11, 2026

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Available in: English

Summary

WORK ARRANGEMENT: Onsite, #Onsite

This role is based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support; please only apply if accessible.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Director to support the local Extractables & Leachables (E&L) Specialty team. You will contribute to the development and be responsible for the implementation of E&L testing and assessment strategies in alignment with the global E&L community and the wider organization within a multidisciplinary project team developing biological drugs.

About the Role

Role Purpose

As the 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, including laboratory scientists and methods experts. You will manage Extractables & Leachables activities primarily related to late-phase assets, focusing on complex and innovative medicines, such as Antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) and Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT). Your responsibilities include guiding and driving activities within specialty and cross-functional project teams, shaping risk assessment and analytical strategies, and developing concepts in line with internal and external regulatory standards while advancing Data & Digital initiatives within the specialty.

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 agreed strategies on technical, scientific, and project management matters.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for E&L and lead 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, managing interfaces as appropriate to facilitate workflows and meet partner needs.
• 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 outlined in 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 other relevant science disciplines.
• Minimum of 10 years of proven experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• At least 5 years in a leadership position with a successful performance record of leading teams.
• Advanced knowledge in Extractables & Leachables (including Analytics/Regulation) and biotechnological CMC development.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to inspire a team of scientists in a dynamic environment.
• Solid business acumen with the capability to align scientific and technical decisions to organizational strategy and priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking, high learning agility, and a solution-oriented mindset.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is dedicated to fostering an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams that represent the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, due to a medical condition or disability, you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or if you need detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please email inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com with your request and contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Helping people with diseases and their families takes more than innovative science. It requires a community of smart, passionate people like you. By collaborating, supporting, and inspiring one another, we can achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Benefits and Rewards

Discover all the ways we will help you thrive personally and professionally by reading our handbook (PDF 30 MB).

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

Job Details

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

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