Job ID
REQ-10067576
Dec 03, 2025
Switzerland
Summary
Location: Basel, Switzerland #onsite
Role Purpose: The Technical Project Leader (TPL) formulates and drives a scientifically sound and business-driven technical project strategy for Technical Research & Development (TRD). This includes financial planning, risk assessments, and contingency planning as appropriate, aligned with the overall Research & Development Project Team strategy and TRD objectives. The TPL will lead the TRD development of Mixed Modality, Small Molecule, and/or Biologics projects, as well as oversee, represent, and support the CMC team, ensuring alignment with other departments and functions both within and outside TRD, as well as with relevant third parties.
About the Role
Strategy
- Establishes technical development plans in accordance with project priority classification, gated by clinical readouts as appropriate, and considers overall portfolio priorities.
- Possesses advanced skills to identify, assess, manage, and communicate CMC and program risks, capable of handling complex risks and issues across multiple projects.
- Provides drug development expertise alongside technical counsel, challenges the status quo, fosters creativity, and implements existing knowledge into the overall Global Project Team project strategy.
Interfaces
- Participates in boards and can lead discussions within leadership teams, excelling in collaborative settings.
- Considers multiple stakeholder perspectives to find optimal solutions, providing insights on industry trends and competitors.
- Shares knowledge with the CMC community through lessons learned sessions and uses that experience to influence CMC functions and Global Project Team strategies.
- Actively contributes to the Global Project Team beyond CMC functions and manages the complexity of disease area GPTs.
People
- Develops effective team management skills and fosters a culture of accountability and learning.
- Anticipates challenges and maintains control, using criticism constructively to facilitate personal and team growth.
- Exhibits servant leadership, mentoring junior TPLs and CMC team members to support their professional development.
Generic Activities
- Leads CMC teams in a matrix setup, managing meetings and documentation effectively.
- Acts as the communication link for CMC topics between the Global Project Team and CMC boards to support informed decision-making.
- Adjusts messages based on audience needs and manages budgetary responsibilities.
- Holds self and team accountable for outcomes, leading development discussions for assets in progress.
Ideal Background
Education
Advanced degree in life science, engineering, or an equivalent field.
Languages
Fluent in English.
Experience/Professional Requirements
- A minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a functional project leader, including relevant experience as an Associate TPL or equivalent.
- Strong scientific and technical knowledge, particularly regarding Small Molecules and Biologics development.
- Fundamental understanding of GMP and regulatory requirements, with solid cross-functional knowledge regarding drug development.
- Completed basic project management training.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Novartis is committed to collaborating with individuals requiring reasonable accommodations due to medical conditions or disabilities. For any requests or inquiries regarding recruitment processes or job functions, please email inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com, including the job requisition number in your message.
Why Novartis
Helping people with diseases and their families requires more than just innovative science. It demands a community of passionate individuals dedicated to collaboration and support. Together, we strive to achieve breakthroughs that transform lives. Are you ready to create a brighter future with us? Learn more here.
Benefits and Rewards
Explore our comprehensive benefits and rewards by reading our handbook: Learn more about our offerings.
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
C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG
Alternative Location
- Mengeš, Slovenia
- Schaftenau, Austria
Functional Area
Research & Development
Job Type
Full time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No
Novartis is dedicated to fostering an outstanding, inclusive work environment with diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.