Head of Neuromuscular Diseases, Translational Medicine

Novartis • San Diego, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Head of Neuromuscular Diseases within Translational Medicine, you will serve as a senior scientific and strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the translational strategy for neuromuscular and neurogenetic therapeutic programs. You will provide expert guidance bridging research, early clinical development, and biomarker/experimental medicine innovation to advance assets from discovery through proof-of-concept and into full development. In addition, you will lead or integrate global, cross-functional teams to design, implement, and execute cutting-edge translational strategies, and act as an influential thought partner in neuromuscular disease biology, clinical development, and emerging therapeutic modalities.

Requirements

• MD and PhD required with clinical subspecialty training in neurological diseases with deep expertise in neuromuscular disorders and gene therapies
• A minimum of 10-15 years of extensive experience in translational medicine, early clinical development, or experimental therapeutics.
• Demonstrated success leading complex global programs and cross-functional scientific teams.
• Proven ability to shape development strategies, execute early clinical studies, and influence regulatory/packages supporting differentiation.
• Experience working in pharmaceutical/biotech company strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Direct people management experience

Responsibilities

• Define and oversee the long-term translational strategy for the Neuromuscular Pillar, ensuring scientific excellence and alignment with broader BR and TM organizational priorities.
• Serve as a senior advisor and thought leader within neuromuscular disorders, leveraging deep specialty expertise to inform program design, biomarker strategy, and patient-relevant endpoints.
• Lead global translational teams across Phase I–IIa (“Discovery” through TDP), driving implementation of high‑quality development strategies in single or multiple neuromuscular indications.
• Represent TM on global program teams (GPT) and decision boards, ensuring that neuromuscular programs meet quality, regulatory, and differentiation objectives.
• Lead the design and execution of First‑in‑Human (FIH) and Phase IIa studies, working collaboratively with clinical, regulatory, biomarker, and profiling partners.
• Leads the creation of clinical components of key documents e.g., Clinical Trial Protocols (CTPs), Investigator’s Brochures, Clinical Study Reports (CSRs), regulatory documents etc. with high levels of quality and consistency
• Serve as a culture champion, promoting empowerment, innovation, and collaboration across TM and broader BR organizations.
• Mentor and develop scientific talent across translational and clinical functions.
• Lead interactions with external stakeholders (e.g., regulatory authorities, key opinion leaders, data monitoring committees, advisory boards etc.) and internal NVS stakeholders
• Contribute to opportunity assessments and due diligence for neuromuscular and adjacent therapeutic areas.

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: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree