Location
Basel, Switzerland (Onsite) - Additional locations: Menges, Slovenia and Schaftenau, Austria
Position Overview
As a Scientific Project Consultant (SPC) within TRD Biologics, you will enhance scientific rigor and contribute to the success of our early development portfolio. In this role, you will provide comprehensive scientific leadership, structured problem-solving, and strategic guidance. As a trusted advisor in a dynamic environment, you will bridge research decisions with process development needs, improving the quality and speed of decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Offer early scientific and technical input to research teams, providing leadership on candidate selection while addressing safety, efficacy, and developability concerns.
- Facilitate portfolio oversight and knowledge transfer across projects by identifying platform-level issues and fostering scientific exchange among various functions.
- Apply structured scientific thinking to tackle critical technical questions through root-cause analyses, defining options and trade-offs, resulting in clear recommendations for timely decision-making.
- Strengthen governance and decision-making at crucial development gates by integrating scientific rigor and a holistic portfolio perspective.
- Influence stakeholders across Novartis to align initiatives and ensure the execution of the agreed-upon scientific strategy.
- Coach and mentor teams, sharing best practices to build scientific capability and promote a consultative, collaborative work culture.
- Drive innovation in novel and complex modalities by facilitating early scientific exchanges and translating insights into actionable guidance.
- Assess and communicate critical risks promptly, proposing mitigations while maintaining scientific rigor to guide decision-making.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to compile prior knowledge into reference documents that support risk assessments and enhance regulatory submission quality.
- Ensure timely integration of new research formats or technology platforms into development for optimal technology transfer and scaling.
What You'll Bring to the Role
- Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., biochemistry, chemistry, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences) with strong scientific credibility.
- Extensive experience (15 years desirable) across the development spectrum from early research projects to late development, enabling comprehensive risk-based guidance.
- Cross-disciplinary expertise with deep knowledge in at least one area; capability to connect analytical, drug substance, and drug product considerations.
- Robust internal and external network, with proven ability to influence in a complex matrix environment.
- Outstanding communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills; adept at coaching and mentoring across various levels and functions.
- Strong judgment and a sense of urgency regarding critical risks; skilled in appropriate escalation and balanced mitigation strategies.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken).
Desirable Requirements
- Experience with biologics and/or complex modalities (e.g., conjugates/AOCs), capable of translating innovations into practical development choices.
- Proven ability to drive execution through others, transitioning from recommendations to implementation within a matrix organization.
- Ability to navigate multiple projects and competing priorities with a consultative mindset focused on scientific rigor and quality.
- This position may be appointed at either the Director or Associate Director level, depending on the candidate’s experience and seniority.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Novartis is dedicated to fostering an outstanding and inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of the patients and communities we serve.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Novartis is committed to working with individuals requiring reasonable accommodations. If you need accommodations due to a medical condition or disability, please send an email to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com to discuss your request and contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
How to Apply
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.