Associate Director, ADC Platform in Oncology Drug Discovery

About the role

Novartis is seeking an Associate Director to join its discovery organization in Cambridge, MA, and lead scientific strategy across ADC payloads, linker technologies and conjugation approaches. The role is central to advancing differentiated antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and related targeted therapeutics, combining payload expertise, linker and conjugation knowledge and biology-driven mechanism-of-action insights. It is an on-site position.

Key responsibilities

• Lead scientific strategy for ADC payload selection, linker design, conjugation approaches and related platform innovations
• Apply deep expertise across payload classes, mechanisms of action, potency, resistance biology, bystander activity and tolerability to guide program design
• Partner with chemistry, biology, protein engineering, pharmacology, translational sciences and CMC teams to advance next-generation ADCs
• Evaluate and prioritize novel payloads, linker technologies and conjugation approaches for internal programs and external opportunities
• Provide biology-driven insights into mechanism of action, tumor context, therapeutic index and combination strategies
• Design and guide experiments assessing ADC activity, selectivity, resistance mechanisms, linker stability and payload-related pharmacology
• Represent payload and linker expertise in cross-functional teams, governance discussions and external collaborations
• Mentor scientists and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing research environment

Required profile

• Ph.D. in cancer biology, pharmacology, chemical biology, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, bioengineering or a related discipline
• 5-10 years of relevant industry experience in ADC discovery, targeted therapeutics or oncology drug discovery
• Proven experience leading cross-functional scientific discussions and influencing program direction

Required skills

• Extensive expertise in ADC payloads, including mechanism of action, potency, resistance biology and therapeutic index
• Strong knowledge of linker and conjugation technologies, including stability, release mechanisms and site-specific conjugation
• Deep understanding of ADC biology: tumor targeting, internalization, trafficking, payload release, bystander effects and pharmacology
• Ability to integrate biology, chemistry and translational data into actionable program strategies

What we offer

• Expected salary range of $152,600-$283,400 USD per year, with a performance-based cash incentive and possible annual equity awards
• Health, life and disability benefits, 401(k) with company contribution and match
• Vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves