Director / Executive Director, Modeling & Simulation (Dual Level Posting)
Novartis
August 06, 2026
Remote friendly (Cambridge, MA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on disease modelling (recruitment, coaching, performance management, talent development).
- Define and execute disease modelling strategies aligned with portfolio priorities across discovery and development.
- Develop and apply mechanistic disease models (e.g., QSP, systems biology, integrative PK/PD frameworks) to understand disease progression, variability, and response to intervention.
- Drive portfolio-level impact (target selection, indication prioritisation, competitive differentiation, probability of technical success).
- Collaborate with PKS and Therapeutic Area/TM leadership to shape scientific priorities and align with broader M&S and organizational strategy.
- Establish and evolve modelling platforms, workflows, and best practices across disease areas.
- Integrate diverse data sources (preclinical, clinical, omics, external) to enable robust predictive models.
- Lead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives advancing modelling capabilities (e.g., AI-enabled methods, digital twins where relevant).
- Drive scientific excellence and continuous improvement using state-of-the-art methodologies.
- Influence internal/external stakeholders (publications, consortia, collaborations).
Essential requirements:
- Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics, or related field.
- 10+ years (Director) or 15+ years (Executive Director) postdoctoral/academic/industry/government experience; leadership and individual contribution in disease/pathway modelling, quantitative/systems pharmacology, or mechanistic modelling.
- Demonstrated leadership building teams and delivering in direct-report and matrix environments (8+ years for Executive Director).
- Proven experience applying mechanistic/systems-level disease models to inform portfolio/program decisions.
- Strong understanding of drug discovery/development and transitions from discovery to clinical development.
- Ability to translate complex outputs into actionable insights; proven innovation track record.
- Strong collaboration and communication; credibility in M&S/quantitative pharmacology; English fluency.
Hybrid work: ~12 days/month on site in Cambridge, MA.
Compensation/benefits and application instructions are not included in the extracted job description.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on disease modelling (recruitment, coaching, performance management, talent development).
- Define and execute disease modelling strategies aligned with portfolio priorities across discovery and development.
- Develop and apply mechanistic disease models (e.g., QSP, systems biology, integrative PK/PD frameworks) to understand disease progression, variability, and response to intervention.
- Drive portfolio-level impact (target selection, indication prioritisation, competitive differentiation, probability of technical success).
- Collaborate with PKS and Therapeutic Area/TM leadership to shape scientific priorities and align with broader M&S and organizational strategy.
- Establish and evolve modelling platforms, workflows, and best practices across disease areas.
- Integrate diverse data sources (preclinical, clinical, omics, external) to enable robust predictive models.
- Lead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives advancing modelling capabilities (e.g., AI-enabled methods, digital twins where relevant).
- Drive scientific excellence and continuous improvement using state-of-the-art methodologies.
- Influence internal/external stakeholders (publications, consortia, collaborations).
Essential requirements:
- Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics, or related field.
- 10+ years (Director) or 15+ years (Executive Director) postdoctoral/academic/industry/government experience; leadership and individual contribution in disease/pathway modelling, quantitative/systems pharmacology, or mechanistic modelling.
- Demonstrated leadership building teams and delivering in direct-report and matrix environments (8+ years for Executive Director).
- Proven experience applying mechanistic/systems-level disease models to inform portfolio/program decisions.
- Strong understanding of drug discovery/development and transitions from discovery to clinical development.
- Ability to translate complex outputs into actionable insights; proven innovation track record.
- Strong collaboration and communication; credibility in M&S/quantitative pharmacology; English fluency.
Hybrid work: ~12 days/month on site in Cambridge, MA.
Compensation/benefits and application instructions are not included in the extracted job description.