Oral Drug Product Project Leader / Oral Drug Product Project Leaderess

Job ID: REQ-10089301

Date: October 09, 2026

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Role Purpose

We are seeking a collaborative and scientifically adept professional to fill the position of Drug Product Project Leader (DPPL) for late-phase oral drug product development programs. In this role, you will spearhead technical development activities for assigned projects, ensuring scientific excellence, strong quality awareness, and alignment with overall project objectives.

Your responsibilities will encompass the development and implementation of comprehensive Drug Product project strategies that include risk assessments, contingency planning, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. You will also ensure alignment with internal functions, external partners, governance processes, and project review milestones.

As the DPPL, you will lead, coach, and develop high-performing project teams in line with company values and behaviors, fostering a collaborative culture, promoting knowledge sharing, and supporting the growth and performance of team members. This position requires oversight of project execution, proactive management of cross-functional interfaces, and effective communication of project strategies, risks, issues, and critical updates to relevant stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent DP project teams within TRD sub-teams, providing strong quality awareness, scientific expertise, and technical leadership.
• Develop robust DP project strategies, including contingency planning and risk assessments, while ensuring alignment with internal functions, external partners, and third parties.
• Assess, consolidate, and negotiate project resources, timelines, and both internal and external costs, leading the budgeting process for DP activities.
• Ensure adherence to project review processes and relevant governance boards while implementing and building upon scientific excellence and approved DP strategies within the project team.
• Proactively manage cross-functional project interactions, monitor project plans, ensure timely delivery of key outputs, and oversee high-quality DP development documentation for CMC submissions.
• Integrate scientific insights into how drug substance and excipient properties, formulation design, and process parameters influence product performance.
• Support and apply structured, science-based approaches (e.g., quality-by-design, modelling, and digital tools) to enhance understanding and enable informed decision-making.
• Lead and nurture DP teams in alignment with company values, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and high performance.

Your Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Pharmaceutical Technology, Powder Process Engineering, or a related scientific field; PhD or equivalent experience is preferred.
• A minimum of 5+ years of relevant industry experience in the development of pharmaceutical formulations, with a strong understanding of early and late-phase drug development processes.
• Solid knowledge of Quality by Design (QbD), regulatory guidelines (ICHQ8, 9, and 10), and biopharmaceutics.
• Excellent leadership, scientific, project management, and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex topics clearly.
• Ability to balance scientific ambition, patient needs, product quality, regulatory expectations, manufacturability, supply reliability, timelines, and costs.
• Proven capability to collaborate effectively across global development teams and functions within a complex matrix environment.
• Strong knowledge of relevant GLP, GMP regulations, and policies with a collaborative mindset focused on improving work structures.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including coaching and personal development.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we are dedicated to reimagining medicine together and rewarding the talented individuals who contribute to this mission. The expected annual base salary range for this role is CHF 93,800 to CHF 174,200, based on skills, competencies, and experience, according to Novartis' pay setting policy.

In addition to your base salary, you may qualify for a performance-based bonus depending on specific performance metrics. The benefits of joining our team extend beyond salary, as we offer a comprehensive range of competitive benefits to support your personal and professional well-being, including insurance plans, retirement options, well-being resources, and global recognition programs. Flexible and hybrid working options are available where possible, along with a minimum of 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with individuals and providing reasonable accommodation as needed. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis?

Helping individuals with diseases and their families requires more than innovative science—it necessitates a community of passionate and dedicated people like you, who work together to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Are you ready to join us in creating a brighter future?

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.