Director, Oncology Translational Research
Novartis
August 16, 2026
On-site
Cambridge, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct translation of pre-clinical research to human clinical trials using genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of preclinical models and patient samples.
- Guide exploratory biomarker plan design and strategy for early-stage Translational Clinical Oncology (TCO) and Global Drug Development (GDD) trials; serve on the Biomarker Review Committee.
- Integrate pre-clinical and emerging clinical efficacy/biomarker data to understand cancer biology and mechanisms of response and resistance.
- Use quantitative/computational expertise to collaborate with Oncology Data Science to analyze high-dimensional preclinical/clinical data to guide clinical decisions and research strategy.
- Explore and onboard innovative technologies to advance translational research and new biomarker development.
- Ensure quality and compliance of exploratory molecular biomarker assays.
- Interface with late-stage clinical development to enable regulated biomarker assay development.
- Lead a team creating genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic preclinical and clinical data to enable AI/ML modeling and actionable insights.
- Mentor, coach, and develop talent.
- Represent leadership at senior levels and internal/external forums.
Essential Requirements:
- Cambridge, MA site (not remote); 10% travel.
- M.D., Ph.D., or comparable doctoral degree.
- 6+ years pharma/biotech (or academic leader) with matrixed leadership experience.
- Strong oncology/molecular pathology publication record.
- Proven leadership and talent development.
- Experience with senior leaders and comfort collaborating with junior associates.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Strong quantitative/computational background and broad oncology scientific/technical knowledge.
Preferred Requirements:
- Leadership track record in oncology/molecular pathology.
- Molecular Genetic Pathology fellowship with board certification (American Board of Pathology or American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics).
- Direct translation of pre-clinical research to human clinical trials using genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of preclinical models and patient samples.
- Guide exploratory biomarker plan design and strategy for early-stage Translational Clinical Oncology (TCO) and Global Drug Development (GDD) trials; serve on the Biomarker Review Committee.
- Integrate pre-clinical and emerging clinical efficacy/biomarker data to understand cancer biology and mechanisms of response and resistance.
- Use quantitative/computational expertise to collaborate with Oncology Data Science to analyze high-dimensional preclinical/clinical data to guide clinical decisions and research strategy.
- Explore and onboard innovative technologies to advance translational research and new biomarker development.
- Ensure quality and compliance of exploratory molecular biomarker assays.
- Interface with late-stage clinical development to enable regulated biomarker assay development.
- Lead a team creating genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic preclinical and clinical data to enable AI/ML modeling and actionable insights.
- Mentor, coach, and develop talent.
- Represent leadership at senior levels and internal/external forums.
Essential Requirements:
- Cambridge, MA site (not remote); 10% travel.
- M.D., Ph.D., or comparable doctoral degree.
- 6+ years pharma/biotech (or academic leader) with matrixed leadership experience.
- Strong oncology/molecular pathology publication record.
- Proven leadership and talent development.
- Experience with senior leaders and comfort collaborating with junior associates.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Strong quantitative/computational background and broad oncology scientific/technical knowledge.
Preferred Requirements:
- Leadership track record in oncology/molecular pathology.
- Molecular Genetic Pathology fellowship with board certification (American Board of Pathology or American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics).