Head of Neuroimmunology

Summary

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Be at the Forefront of Neuroscience Innovation

Join Novartis and lead a world‑class team driving breakthroughs in Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience. Shape the future of neuroscience by developing transformative therapies for diseases that impact millions worldwide. If you are passionate about scientific discovery, collaboration, and making a global impact, we want to hear from you.

About the Role

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, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s 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 Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s 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 [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

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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