Senior Principal Scientist/Associate Director* PK Sciences

#LI_Hybrid
Location: Basel, Switzerland

Key Responsibilities:
•    Independently represent the PK Sciences function in cross-functional project teams, interactions with stakeholders within the organization and interactions with regulatory agencies, as appropriate
•    Lead a PK Science Subteam with interdisciplinary representation of the major functions from within PK Science and beyond
•    Ensures implementation of project strategies and monitors timelines, objectives, and budgets for assigned projects
•    Present projects at various institutional review and approval boards
•    Proactively contributes to developing drug candidates across Research Development and Commercial continuum, providing expert pharmacokinetic / drug metabolism and clinical pharmacology input
•    Develop and execute clinical pharmacology strategies, including input into nonclinical and clinical study design, and analyzing PK and PK/PD data, to support compound development from discovery through late development
•    Provide PK, dosage, PK/PD and M&S component of study protocols, reports, project summaries and development plans, and author pharmacokinetic/clinical pharmacology/biopharmaceutics sections/radiation dosimetry of IND/IMPDs and NDA/BLAs as well as prepare appropriate responses to global Health Authority questions
•    Use of Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches to enable model guided molecular design, preclinical and clinical data automation, authoring regulatory documents, and the use of predictive models
•    Is a mentor to or manages junior associates in the organization

This role reports to Therapeutic Area Head in PK Sciences within Translational Medicine (TM) in Biomedical Research. PKS is a global organization situated within Translational Medicine (TM), the clinical research arm of Biomedical Research within Novartis. PK Sciences plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative medicines to patients, by building on research advances to develop new therapies, bridging drug discovery and clinical application. PK Science is an enterprise-wide organization, working across both Biomedical Research and the Development organizations to advance the scientific knowledge of pharmacokinetics, metabolism and clinical pharmacology.

Essential Requirements:
•    Ph.D. / Pharm.D. with relevant experience 
•    Preferred candidates will have a minimum of 5+ yrs at the Senior Principal Scientist Level and 8+ years at the Associate Director level) in clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics or a related background in an industry setting. 
•    Extensive and in-depth knowledge of pharmacokinetics including, drug metabolism and PK/PD evaluation, experience in working in project teams (preferably global) as well as sound awareness of recent developments in drug development and regulatory sciences.
•    Demonstrated success in working in a cross-functional, matrixed, project-team environment.
•    An influential Team player and talented negotiator with strong oral and written communication skills.
•    Proven record of mentorship and/or people management

Desirable Requirements:
•    Hands-on project experience with Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches is a plus

Leadership / Novartis Behaviors in Action
•    Delivers results through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on value and outcomes.
•    Demonstrates an enterprise mindset and strong ownership by prioritizing resources and decisions for maximum Novartis and patient impact.
•    Role models Novartis leadership behaviors through visible actions, continuous self reflection, and openness to feedback
•    Builds trust through transparent communication, clear accountability, and consistent delivery against commitments.
•    Empowers others to innovate and improve while maintaining high scientific, ethical, and operational standards.

AI fluency:
•    Brings strong AI and digital fluency, using enterprise tools to enhance insight generation, decision making, and team productivity.
•    Accountable for the ethical, transparent, and compliant use of AI in line with Novartis AI governance and data protection standards.

External eminence:
•    Acts as an external thought leader, advancing Novartis’ reputation in translational science and innovation.

Operational excellence:
•    Drives operational excellence through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and effective use of resources to maximize PKS and enterprise value.
•    Acts as a responsible steward of people, data, and digital capabilities, leveraging AI and automation to improve efficiency, quality, and decision speed.

*This is a dual level posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

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