Senior Principal Scientist / Associate Director Translational Oncology

Salary Range:

CHF122,500.00 - CHF227,500.00

Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite
Location: Basel, Switzerland
This role is based in Basel, Switzerland.

The Oncology Translational Research (OTR) group at Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly accomplished translational scientist who combines exceptional scientific depth in cancer and molecular biology with the ability to lead, influence, and align complex, cross functional organizations.
This role is designed for a scientific leader who not only drives cutting edge research but also shapes broader program direction by connecting discovery, translational science, and clinical strategy. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing oncology programs by translating deep biological insights into impactful therapeutic and biomarker strategies, while effectively navigating and influencing a global, matrixed research environment.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive translational research strategies grounded in deep expertise in cancer biology, molecular signaling, and biomarker science

• Translate complex biological insights into actionable therapeutic hypotheses and clinical development strategies

• Lead oncology programs from early discovery through clinical translation, ensuring scientific rigor and strategic alignment

• Oversee mechanism-of-action studies, combination strategies, and biomarker development

• Act as a key integrator across drug discovery, translational, bioinformatics, and clinical teams

• Influence decision-making and align cross-functional stakeholders within a global, matrixed organization

• Partner with computational and data science teams to integrate genomic, molecular, and translational datasets into program strategy

• Ensure robust interpretation of data into clear scientific and clinical insights

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and collaboration

• Communicate scientific strategies and findings effectively to senior leadership, governance bodies, and external partners

• Contribute to external scientific visibility through publications, conferences, and collaborations

Essential Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline.

• Completed postdoctoral plus at least 4+ years of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic translational research experience (see leveling below)

• Demonstrated leadership experience in oncology research and translational therapeutic development

• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary scientific programs in matrixed organizations

• Strong scientific communication, leadership, collaboration, and mentoring capabilities

• Established record of scientific innovation, publications, and translational impact

• High level of scientific curiosity, agility, and a positive, solution-oriented mindset

Role Leveling (Dual Posting)

Final level will be determined by the hiring team based on skills, experience, and business needs.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Curious Mindset, Data, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Ethics, Gene Therapy- Leadership, Influence, Laboratory, Lifesciences, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Mentorship {+ 11 more}