Summary
About the Role
BRC builds the biologics pipeline in collaboration with Novartis Biomedical Research Disease Areas and Platforms via a breadth of technologies for discovery of antibody, protein, gene therapy and RNA-based therapeutics.
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist and leader specialized in engineering biologics & developing bioconjugates to join the Biotherapeutic Engineering and Bioconjugate (BEC) group within BRC in Basel, Switzerland.
The individual will be an enterprise-level thinker who helps define the next layer of mid- to long-term strategic directions for Biotherapeutics.
The BEC group drives a diverse portfolio of pipeline programs and innovation for bioconjugations, therapeutic proteins, multifunctional antibodies and beyond. Through innovative and rational protein design the BEC group works collaboratively with Disease area groups to broaden the use of biologics into therapeutic applications where conventional antibodies have limitations.
Your key responsibilities are, but not limited to:
Establishes mid- and long-term goals, plan of action, and implementation for the BEC team in line with BRC and Biomedical Research strategy and objectives.
Develops and implements short to long term enterprise strategy for next generation recombinant biologics for Biomedical Research.
Leads a team of 30 highly talented scientists on the Basel site responsible to drive recombinant therapies to patients.
Represents BEC as BEC Site Head for the Basel site including managing the budget of the BEC unit in collaboration with global counterparts in order to meet BRC targets.
Ensures allocation of group resources according to portfolio and platform priorities.
Sets strategy, implements and manages outsourcing for the local BEC team.
Interface with downstream development colleagues to bring lead candidates towards full development.
Collaborates and coordinates activities with other global BRC and Biomedical Research units.
Offer innovative approaches to scientific questions and troubleshooting efforts.
Identifies Disease Area’s unmet needs and collaborate for a novel therapeutic solution.
What you will bring to the role:
Proven capability of setting multiyear strategies for biotherapeutics within own team and across multiple enterprise-level stakeholders on a mid- to long-term scale.
Strong expertise in innovating, engineering and delivering recombinant proteins, multispecific antibodies, alternative formats (e.g. Ab derived fragments, miniproteins) from conception through early development.
Prior experience with computational protein design/modelling and structure analysis as well as library-based approaches to attenuate functional and developability properties of protein therapeutics.
Proven experience developing and innovating on mixed modality therapeutics, including leveraging bioconjugation for the development of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Radioligand therapies, siRNA conjugates and next generation applications.
A demonstrated track record of success as judged by publications and patents.
Highly collaborative spirit inside and outside of department to advance programs to clinic; good communication skills, creativity, and multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge in the application of recombinant biologics to biology in the areas of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular and renal metabolic diseases.
Additional requirements:
PhD with more than 15 years relevant experience and recognized both internally and externally as expert in protein engineering.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, retains and develops diverse, and agile associates with different expertise, seniority and tasks to ensure long term talent development and talent pipeline including succession planning.
Background in leading and mentoring a research group consisting of associates of all levels and acting as a manager of managers.
Excellent, oral and written communication skills, track record in scientific collaboration with a strong interest/potential in expanding beyond core science
*Restrictions on flexible working arrangements may apply and will be discussed at interview if applicable
Accessibility and accommodation
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
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