Director International Medical Affairs, Immunology

Summary

Purpose of the role: The International Medical Affairs (IMA) team represents the voice of the International markets, with a focus on our top priority markets and addresses their needs across pre-launch, launch, life-cycle management and in-market.

About the Role

We are seeking a Medical Affairs Director Immunology, to provide aligned input from the top priority International markets into IEP and is responsible for the implementation of the scientific communications and medical education strategy, as well as relevant medical standards in these markets. This role will support the planning and execution at International for the medical/scientific engagement strategy (MSL/ Field Medical Affairs strategy, medical education programs, scientific publication planning and Medical Expert network development) addressing and delivering strategic pre-launch and launch medical activities needs for patient, clinical, access and value to health care systems.

Acting as a subject matter expert in the development of overarching International strategies, you will provide input during program design and throughout end to end execution. You will also serve as a strategic partner to International Commercial, International Value and Access, Global, Regional and US Medical Affairs, and Development.

This is a full-time position based in Basel, Switzerland. If you are driven by a commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients and possess the expertise to lead a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. This role reports into the Head International Medical Affairs Immunology.

Major Accountabilities

• Lead the International Medical Affairs strategy for priority Immunology assets and indications, ensuring international market needs are reflected in medical priorities and plans.
• Represent and translate the perspectives of priority international markets into actionable medical strategies, evidence requirements, and execution plans that enhance readiness and impact.
• Shape integrated evidence plans and evidence‑generation priorities to ensure timely availability of data supporting scientific exchange, clinical adoption, and access-related decision-making.
• Provide strategic input into field medical and medical engagement priorities, ensuring country insights and scientific requirements inform high‑quality, market‑relevant plans.
• Drive external scientific engagement and communication strategies, including medical education, major congress activities, symposia, and other high-impact key scientific exchange initiatives.
• Build and strengthen strategic relationships with healthcare professionals, scientific societies, and other stakeholders to advance scientific leadership and medical impact in Immunology.
• Serve as a strategic medical partner to International Commercial, International Value & Access, Global, Regional, and Country Medical Affairs, Development, and other cross‑functional teams to ensure aligned, high‑quality plans and execution.
• Provide proactive medical leadership for lifecycle management and future therapeutic opportunities, identifying where medical strategy, evidence and stakeholder engagement can drive the greatest value and impact.
• Ensure all International Medical Affairs activities meet the highest standards of medical quality, ethics, and compliance, including appropriate support for access‑related and patient‑focused initiatives.

Essential Requirements

• Advanced scientific degree (MD, PhD, or PharmD) in Health or Life Sciences
• Full professional proficiency in English
• In depth experience in the pharmaceutical industry, in Medical Affairs or Clinical Development
• Deep understanding of health care systems and key external stakeholders
• Experience working in matrix organizations and leading cross-functional medical projects, with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions and geographies
• Strong track record of leading complex medical affairs initiatives with clear impact on timelines, quality, and strategic outcomes
• Additional training, certification or experience in Dermatology and/or Rheumatology is a plus

Desirable Requirements

• Significant medical affairs pre-launch and launch experience in a major International market
• Significant medical affairs pre-launch and launch experience in Immunology or Immuno-oncology
• Experience in developing and executing “Best in Class” processes at scale

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

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 [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.