Job Description Summary
Imagine leading the safety strategy for some of the most innovative oncology medicines in development today.

As Development Unit Head Patient Safety - Oncology, you will play a critical role in shaping the benefit-risk profile of a diverse portfolio, ensuring patient safety remains at the heart of every decision. This is a unique opportunity to influence global development programs, drive scientific and medical excellence, lead high-performing safety teams, and collaborate with senior leaders across Novartis to bring transformative medicines to patients worldwide!

Job Description

Location: East Hanover, New Jersey

#LI-Hybrid

Relocation Support: This role is based in East Hanover, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support - please only apply if this location is accessible to you. The company will not sponsor visas for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape and execute the Oncology Development Unit safety strategy across the entire product lifecycle.
• Lead benefit-risk assessments to support informed decision-making and optimal patient outcomes.
• Build, inspire, and develop a high-performing global Patient Safety organization.
• Drive proactive identification, evaluation, and management of emerging safety signals and risks.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, compliant and timely medical safety assessments and documentation.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to advance innovative medicines through development and registration.
• Provide strategic oversight of safety governance, escalation processes, and regulatory engagement.
• Champion scientific excellence through coaching, capability building, and succession planning.
• Represent Novartis in interactions with health authorities, industry groups, and external experts.
• Foster operational excellence by driving innovation, process simplification, and continuous improvement.

Essential Requirements:

• Medical degree required with extensive experience in clinical development and patient safety within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Significant leadership experience overseeing global drug development and safety activities across multiple development programs.
• Deep expertise in benefit-risk evaluation, safety signal detection, and clinical safety assessment methodologies.
• Proven experience leading regulatory interactions and presenting safety data to global health authorities.
• Strong understanding of drug development, clinical trial methodology, regulatory requirements, and scientific principles.
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching, and developing high-performing, multicultural teams in a global environment.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills across complex organizational settings.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken, with the ability to communicate effectively in global environments.

Desirable Skills

• Specialty Board Certification is considered an advantage.
• Postgraduate qualification in Pharmaceutical Medicine, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related scientific discipline is desirable.
• Proficiency in an additional major international language, such as French, German, or Spanish, is advantageous.

Ready to make a Global Impact?

At Novartis, our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As Development Unit Head Patient Safety - Oncology, you will have the opportunity to shape global safety strategy, influence critical development decisions, and help bring innovative therapies to patients around the world. If you are passionate about scientific leadership, patient safety, and driving transformative change, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $288,400 and $535,600 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

Salary Range
$288,400.00 - $535,600.00

Skills Desired
Leadership, Process Safety Management, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Mitigation, Safety Science