Head, Translational Clinical Oncology China

About the role

Novartis is looking for a Head of Translational Clinical Oncology (TCO) for China, a Band Level 7 position in Shanghai. The role provides strategic medical, clinical and scientific leadership of the TCO team in China, guiding program selection and execution of the oncology early development portfolio in line with Global BR TCO, and informing potential external innovative programs and business development in strategic oncology areas. It may also involve membership of the TCO leadership team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the BR TCO China organization according to the global clinical strategy, including its targeted build over time, giving strategic and operational direction.
• Oversee selection and prioritization of compounds and modalities to be developed in China, aligned with Global BR TCO, China Development and the China Oncology Business Unit.
• Provide scientific and clinical input on internal and external assets, representing TCO in BD&L due diligence and integration reviews and managing Novartis and external stakeholders in China.
• Build partnerships to assess external early oncology capabilities and explore innovative drug development models that shorten the registration timeline gap between China and global.
• Introduce new technologies into TCO programs in China and globally, lead or help oversee external collaborations, and drive China's contribution to early oncology development worldwide.
• Ensure TCO trials are prepared and run scientifically, safely and successfully, with adequate resourcing and support for the China team.
• Build a network of first-in-human and proof-of-concept sites, and maintain long-term relationships with PIs and KOLs.
• Represent Novartis early oncology in interactions with the NMPA, HGRAC and other authorities, and provide local leadership and coaching for TCO associates and managers.

Required profile

• Minimum education: MD degree and PhD-level basic science (PhD not required); MD/PhD preferred.
• Board certification (or equivalent expertise) in Hematology-Oncology.
• Oncology experience and people management experience required.
• Fluent Mandarin and fluent English, written and spoken.
• Recognized as a Heme-Onc expert with a strong record of scientific publications and international recognition.
• Proven ability to manage, develop and coach people, and experience in a multicultural global organization.

Required skills

• Interpretation of preclinical data in hematology/oncology (molecular biology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology).
• Working knowledge of PK/PD, biostatistics and Good Clinical Practice, and of regulatory requirements for clinical trials and oncology.
• Ability to analyze efficacy and safety data in oncology.
• Clinical decision making, clinical research and clinical trials, drug development, risk management and strategy development.