Clinical Program Leader (CPL)

Overview

In this role you will provide medical and scientific leadership to propel the development of new oncology agents from portfolio entry to transition decisions. You will craft integrated clinical development plans and work with cross-functional teams to optimize early development and future registration. You will lead multidisciplinary efforts, interpret preclinical data for clinical strategies, and ensure quality and regulatory compliance while advancing patient outcomes in oncology. This is a global, impact-driven leadership role at Novartis.

Pay / Benefits

• salary range $248,500 – $461,500
• performance-based cash incentive
• eligibility for annual equity awards
• comprehensive benefits package (health, life, disability)
• 401(k) with company match
• generous time off (vacation, personal days, holidays)

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic medical leadership for oncology assets in preclinical development
• Create PE/DC to TDP development strategies
• Develop Integrated Development Plans in collaboration with DALs, DEV, S&G, and Commercial
• Lead BPTs to initiate clinical development and trials needed for TDP
• Integrate preclinical data into clinical development plans (pharmacology, toxicology, PK)
• Collaborate to develop clinical protocols and supporting instruments (CRFs, SAPs, CSR)
• Apply medical knowledge to ensure safe, ethical trial conduct and ensure GCP compliance
• Liaise with external experts, investigators, and regulatory authorities
• Prepare abstracts/manuscripts for presentations/publications
• Participate in task forces for continuous improvement; maintain quality/compliance
• Mentor less experienced CPLs when needed

Key requirements

• MD or DO degree
• Board-certification in oncology; PhD preferred
• 2+ years pharma/biotech oncology trial experience plus equivalent academic translational experience
• Recognized expert with substantial publications and international recognition
• Strong interpretation of oncology preclinical data (molecular biology, pharmacology, PK/PD, toxicology)
• Solid PK/PD and biostatistics knowledge applied to clinical development
• Proven ability to analyze efficacy and safety data in oncology
• Knowledge of GCP and global regulatory requirements for clinical trials
• Excellent medical/scientific writing and communication skills
• Proven strategic thinker with leadership of global, multidisciplinary teams
• High ethical integrity and patient‑centered focus
• Strong IT skills
• Fluent English (oral and written)

• Strategic thinking
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong written and oral communication
• Clinical development planning
• PK/PD interpretation
• Biostatistics in clinical trials

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