Job ID
REQ-10067576
Date: Dec 03, 2025
Location: Basel, Switzerland (#onsite)
Summary
The Technical Project Leader (TPL) is responsible for formulating and driving a scientifically sound and business-driven technical project strategy for Technical Research & Development (TRD). This role encompasses financial planning, risk assessments, and contingency planning in alignment with the overall Research & Development Project Team strategy and TRD objectives. The TPL will lead the development of Mixed Modality, Small Molecule, and/or Biologics projects while managing and supporting the CMC team, ensuring alignment with various departments inside and outside of TRD as well as with third parties when necessary.
About the Role
Strategy
- Establishes technical development plans that correspond with project priorities, gated by clinical readouts, while maintaining an enterprise view of overall portfolio priorities.
- Possesses advanced skills to identify, assess, manage, and communicate CMC and program risks, particularly in complex projects.
- Provides drug development expertise alongside technical knowledge, challenges the status quo, and fosters creativity within the team.
- For complex late-phase programs, supports the Senior TPL with defined work packages.
Interfaces
- Participates in leadership discussions and collaborates in settings involving external partners, CROs, and licensing operations.
- Takes multiple stakeholder perspectives into account to reach optimal solutions and build consensus.
- Shares knowledge within the CMC community and influences stakeholders with insights from drug development strategy.
- Contributes beyond CMC functions and leads development discussions for projects.
People
- Effectively manages teams and stakeholders, offering sound proposals and sharing lessons learned.
- Anticipates setbacks and maintains control, receiving feedback constructively to foster personal and team growth.
- Exhibits servant leadership, mentoring junior TPLs and team members to support their development.
Generic Activities
- Leads CMC teams in a matrix setup, managing meeting agendas, minutes, and action trackers.
- Acts as a liaison to convey CMC topics between teams to support decision-making processes.
- Communicates effectively based on the audience’s level of understanding.
- Takes responsibility for team outcomes, shifting priorities as necessary to ensure the success of projects.
Ideal Background
Education
Minimum: Advanced degree in life sciences, engineering, or a related field.
Languages
Fluent in English.
Experience/Professional Requirement
- Minimum of 2-3 years of direct experience as a functional project leader or in a relevant role.
- Strong scientific and technical knowledge of Small Molecules and Biologics, with experience in Mixed Modalities preferred.
- Fundamental knowledge of GMP and regulatory requirements with cross-functional insights on drug development processes.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Novartis is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals throughout the recruitment process. If you need assistance due to a medical condition or disability, please send an email to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com with your contact information and any specific requests you may have.
Why Novartis
At Novartis, we believe that helping individuals with diseases and their families requires more than innovative science. It takes a community of passionate individuals like you who are willing to collaborate, support, and inspire one another. Together, we can create breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Are you ready to help shape a brighter future?
Benefits and Rewards
To learn more about how we support your personal and professional growth, visit our handbook detailing the various benefits we offer.
Application Process
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Division: Development
Business Unit: Development
Location: Switzerland
Site: Basel (City)
Company / Legal Entity: Novartis Pharma AG
Job Type: Full time
Employment Type: Regular
Shift Work: No
At Novartis, we are dedicated to fostering an outstanding, inclusive work environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve.