Director / Executive Director, Modeling & Simulation (Dual Level Posting)

In this role you lead a high-impact modelling team to support portfolio decisions with multiscale disease models. You will partner with cross-functional leaders to shape strategy and apply quantitative disease models from discovery through clinical development. You will advance modelling platforms, integrate diverse data, and drive innovation to strengthen Novartis’s leadership in disease modelling. You will communicate insights to decision-makers and contribute to external scientific leadership. This is a hybrid, senior-level opportunity with a broad impact on portfolio strategy and translational medicine goals.

• comprehensive benefits package
• 401(k) with company match
• performance-based incentive
• eligibility for equity awards
• generous time off (vacation, personal days, holidays)
• hybrid/onsite work arrangement

• Build and mentor a high-performing disease modelling team, including recruitment and development
• Define and execute modelling strategies aligned with portfolio priorities
• Develop mechanistic models (e.g., QSP, systems biology, PK/PD-disease frameworks) to understand progression and response
• Support portfolio decisions including target selection and indication prioritisation
• Collaborate with PKS and TM leadership to align scientific priorities with strategy
• Create and evolve modelling platforms, workflows, and best practices
• Integrate preclinical, clinical, omics and external data for robust predictions
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to adopt innovative methods (AI, digital twins)
• Drive scientific excellence and continuous improvement in modelling capabilities
• Influence internal/external stakeholders through publications and collaborations

• Ph.D. in relevant field (biology, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics)
• 10+ years (Director) to 15+ years (Executive Director) of postdoctoral/academic/industry/government experience with leadership and IC track record in disease/modeling fields
• Proven leadership and team-building experience; ability to operate in matrix environments
• Experience applying mechanistic or systems-level disease models to inform portfolio decisions
• Strong understanding of drug discovery/development and modelling’s role in transitions
• Experience influencing strategy through governance or cross-functional leadership
• Ability to translate complex modelling outputs into actionable insights
• track record of scientific innovation and new methodologies/platforms
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement across scientific/clinical teams
• Excellent communication for technical and non-technical audiences
• Credibility in M&S or quantitative pharmacology through publications, collaborations, or leadership
• Fluency in English
• Hybrid role with requirement for on-site presence in Cambridge, MA

• collaboration
• stakeholder management
• clear communication
• mechanistic disease modelling (QSP, systems pharmacology)
• PK/PD-disease modelling
• data integration (preclinical, clinical, omics)