Director, Clinical Sciences and Trial Acceleration, Therapeutic Lead

Novartis

7d • Remote

About The Position

Novartis has an incredible opportunity for a talented individual to join our team as a Director, Clinical Sciences and Trial Acceleration Therapeutic Lead. This role provides Clinical Science leadership for an assigned therapeutic area and serves as a key driver of Medical Office clinical trial acceleration across US Medical Affairs. The leader will shape evidence generation strategy, oversee Investigator Initiated Trials (IITs) and external research collaborations, and partner cross-functionally to identify and remove operational barriers—accelerating study start-up, execution, and delivery of measurable outcomes through data-driven performance management. This position can be based remotely anywhere in the U.S. (there may be some restrictions based on legal entity). Please note that this role would not provide relocation as a result. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and/or international) will be defined by the hiring manager. This position will require 25% travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field required; advanced degree (Master’s/PhD) preferred or equivalent certification/licensure.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant clinical research/clinical science experience, including mentoring/training others and leading complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience leading high-priority process improvement/transformation initiatives, ideally focused on cycle-time reduction and operational execution.
• Strong working knowledge of FDA guidelines, GCP, and applicable SOPs; ability to evaluate medical research data and apply medical/scientific terminology.
• Strong written, oral, and presentation skills; ability to communicate strategy, develop/review protocols, assess feasibility, and present to senior leaders.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal oversight, drive accountability in matrix environments, and deliver measurable outcomes through influence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint); ability to learn proprietary systems and leverage metrics for performance management.
• Prior experience leading clinical trial acceleration

Responsibilities

• Provide Clinical Science leadership for an assigned therapeutic area; partner with Medical Director/MST Lead to co-develop program strategy, evidence generation plans, and study concepts aligned to portfolio priorities.
• Serve as Clinical Science lead on the MST and represent US Medical Affairs in key cross-functional forums and workstreams.
• Lead scientific review, prioritization, and oversight of Investigator Initiated Trials (IITs) in partnership with Medical Affairs and governance stakeholders.
• Lead and support external research collaborations (e.g., academic partnerships, consortium-based studies) from concept through execution, ensuring scientific quality and operational rigor.
• Ensure consistent clinical science standards, governance, and best practices across IITs and external collaborations.
• Drive Medical Office clinical trial acceleration across USMA to reduce cycle times and improve study start-up and execution.
• Coordinate trial acceleration activities across Clinical Sciences, Medical Affairs, and cross-functional partners; establish clear milestones, owners, and accountability.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute acceleration initiatives; translate strategic objectives into measurable operational impact (timelines, throughput, quality).
• Act as an integrator across enabling functions (e.g., medical leadership, field medical, governance, contracts) to implement scalable acceleration ways of working.
• Lead evidence generation acceleration initiatives (e.g., portfolio control tower approach, acceleration playbooks, external collaboration strategy).
• Track, communicate, and continuously improve outcomes using data-driven insights, dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Provide scientific and operational oversight for assigned studies/programs, including feasibility input and contributions to protocols and key study documents.
• Oversee vendor, budget, and resource planning as applicable; ensure accurate forecasting and delivery against commitments.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of trial leads and/or matrixed resources; support hiring, retention, and capability building.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, GCP, and ethical requirements; contribute to continuous improvement of processes and working practices.

Benefits

• US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits.
• In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director