Director, Head of ADC Oncology Chemistry

About the role

Novartis is looking for a Director, Head of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Oncology Chemistry in Cambridge, USA, a highly influential scientific leadership role. You will lead a team of medicinal chemists advancing antibody-drug conjugate and other vectorized drug conjugate programs from early discovery toward key development milestones, working at the intersection of chemistry, biology and drug discovery.

Key responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for ADC and vectorized drug conjugate programs across the oncology portfolio.
• Guide project teams from exploratory research through candidate nomination.
• Build, mentor and develop a high-performing team of medicinal chemists across career levels.
• Partner with biology, biotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, safety and process chemistry to advance programs.
• Shape portfolio strategy, prioritization and resourcing decisions.
• Identify emerging technologies, external collaborations and scientific opportunities.
• Foster an innovative, inclusive and collaborative environment amid complexity and change.

Required profile

• Doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D experience, including significant scientific and people leadership.
• Proven success advancing oncology drug discovery programs toward clinical development.
• Deep knowledge of ADCs and other vectorized drug conjugates.
• Broad understanding of drug discovery disciplines such as pharmacokinetics, toxicology and pharmacology.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and turn complex science into strategic decisions.

Desirable skills

• Computational chemistry tools and structure-based drug design.
• Synthetic organic chemistry, SAR, lead optimization and rational drug design.

What we offer

• Relocation support.
• Flexible and hybrid working options where possible.
• Minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• Insurance plans, retirement plans and wellbeing resources.
• Base salary range of 185,500 to 344,500 USD annually, with a possible performance-based bonus.