Head of Neuroimmunology

Band

Job Description Summary

Job Description

As Head of Neuroimmunology you will design and direct preclinical strategies that have the potential to deliver blockbuster therapies and transform lives.

Projects that modulate neuroimmunology targets and have the potential to treat the progression in multiple sclerosis and neurodegeneration. Neuroimmunology is a priority area for the Neuroscience franchise and a pillar of the Neuroscience department. The Head of Neuroimmunology will deliver new projects and development candidates to the Biomedical Research pipeline which have the potential of becoming highly impactful drugs for diseases such Multiple Sclerosis Alzheimers Disease Parkinsons disease Frontotemporal dementia and ALS.

Key Responsibilities

• Create communicate and execute a collaborative vision and strategy for Neuroimmunological drug discovery and early development in focus areas including mechanisms of progression in multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases including Alzheimers Parkinsons Huntingtons disease and ALS

• Manage mentor and coach a team of Senior associates postdocs and Lab Heads delivering a portfolio of Neuroimmunology drug discovery programs and modality agnostic development candidates for human trials (LMW genetic medicines biologics)

• Serve as the Basel site head for Neuroscience collaborating with the site heads for San Diego and Cambridge as a member of the Neuroscience leadership team in addition to being the key leader in Basel for partner departments and functions including the Immunology Disease Area DARe Discovery Sciences Discovery Chemistry and Biologics Research

• Build relevant state of the art in vitro and in vivo models of disease incorporating relevant immune and nervous system components and a balanced and sustainable pipeline supporting the Novartis neuroscience strategy

• Build and maintain strong relationships externally e.g. with global scientific medical research community (academia and biotech) and lead and identify relevant multi-party research alliances.

• Function as lead representative for BD&L efforts in scientific and strategic evaluation of neuroimmunology assets for partnering or acquisition

• Lead and/or contribute to ad-hoc initiatives aiming at improving Biomedical Research science

Minimum Requirements

• PhD or MD in biomedical sciences with post-doctoral fellowship.

• 15 years of industry experience including significant research/scientific leadership in neuroimmunology relevant research (academia or industry).

• Demonstrated experience in bringing multiple modalities (LMW oligonucleotides biologics genetic medicines) from discovery into clinical development.

• Proven track record in leading multi-party international collaborations.

• Major scientific accomplishments including high-impact publications and a successful drug discovery record.

• Fluent in English (oral and written). German language would be advantageous.

• Strong coaching mentoring and people management skills.

• Experience in evaluating in-licensing opportunities and conducting due diligence as required.

Accessibility and accommodation:
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired