Associate Director/Senior Principal Scientist, PK Sciences, Therapeutic Areas (Dual Level Posting)

Novartis
Novartis logo
Location
San Diego
Job Type
Full-time
Reposted
May 29, 2026
Originally posted May 29, 2026
Views
12
Salary Range
$139k - $257k USD

Job Description

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Internal Title: Associate Director/Senior Principal Scientist
Location: San Diego, CA

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PK Sciences project team representative to develop and implement translational or clinical pharmacology strategies to support the pursuit of transformative new medicines through late clinical development. Our unique organizational structure enables colleagues to work seamlessly in the translational and/or clinical space, offering opportunities for development and bench-to-bedside-to-bench translation. The scope of the role potentially includes small molecules, biologics/therapeutic proteins, RNA based therapeutics, and/or cell therapies serving primarily the neuroscience therapeutic area. This position drives close interdisciplinary collaboration among the PK Science disciplines, Drug Disposition (ADME, BA), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and Operations through PK science sub-teams to achieve a holistic and integrative perspective of the ADME/clinical pharmacology properties of candidates and drugs.

This role reports to Neuroscience, Therapeutic Area Head in PK Sciences within Translational Medicine (TM) in Biomedical Research. PKS is a global organization situated within Translational Medicine (TM), the clinical research arm of Biomedical Research within Novartis. PK Sciences plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative medicines to patients, by building research advances to develop new therapies, bridging drug discovery and clinical application. PK Science is an enterprise-wide organization, working across both Biomedical Research and the Development organizations to advance the scientific knowledge of pharmacokinetics, metabolism and clinical pharmacology as well as disciplines as part of the research Development commercial collaboration.


Job Description

Key responsibilities:

  • Independently represent the PK Sciences function in cross-functional project teams, interactions with stakeholders within the organization and interactions with regulatory agencies, as appropriate
  • Leads a PK Science Sub team with interdisciplinary representation of the major functions from within PK Science and beyond
  • Ensures implementation of project strategies and monitors timelines, objectives, and budgets for assigned projects
  • Present projects at various institutional review and approval boards
  • Develop and execute clinical pharmacology strategies, including input into nonclinical and clinical study design, and analyzing PK and PK/PD data, to support compound development from discovery through late clinical development
  • Provide PK, dosage, PK/PD and M&S component of study protocols, reports, project summaries and development plans, and author pharmacokinetic/clinical pharmacology/biopharmaceutics sections of IND/IMPDs and NDA/BLAs as well as prepare appropriate responses to global Health Authority questions
  • Is able to provide managerial reviews for a focused project portfolio
  • Supports strategic initiatives to create a top-performing organization
  • Encourages the use of artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) approaches to enable model guided molecular design, preclinical and clinical data automation, authoring regulatory documents, and the use of predictive models
  • Is a mentor to junior associates in the organization

Essential requirements:

  • Ph.D. / Pharm.D. with relevant experience (minimum 5+ yrs) in clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics or a related background in an industry setting.
  • Extensive and in-depth knowledge of pharmacokinetics including, drug metabolism and PK/PD evaluation, experience in working in project teams (preferably global) as well as sound awareness of recent developments in drug development and regulatory sciences.
  • Demonstrated success in working in a cross-functional, matrixed, project-team environment.
  • An influential Team player and talented negotiator with strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to set priorities within and have strategic overview over a focused portfolio
  • Proven record of mentorship and/or people management

Desirable requirements:

  • Early and late development with core clinical pharmacology expertise is preferred.
  • Experience in Clinical pharmacology with neuroscience preferred.
  • Hands-on project experience with Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches is a plus
  • Prior experience in clinical pharmacology, clinical development and global regulatory submissions, especially IND’s/NDS’s/BLA/s in neuroscience is a preference

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Internal Title: Associate Director/Senior Principal Scientist
Location: San Diego, CA

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PK Sciences project team representative to develop and implement translational or clinical pharmacology strategies to support the pursuit of transformative new medicines through late clinical development. Our unique organizational structure enables colleagues to work seamlessly in the translational and/or clinical space, offering opportunities for development and bench-to-bedside-to-bench translation. The scope of the role potentially includes small molecules, biologics/therapeutic proteins, RNA based therapeutics, and/or cell therapies serving primarily the neuroscience therapeutic area. This position drives close interdisciplinary collaboration among the PK Science disciplines, Drug Disposition (ADME, BA), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and Operations through PK science sub-teams to achieve a holistic and integrative perspective of the ADME/clinical pharmacology properties of candidates and drugs.

This role reports to Neuroscience, Therapeutic Area Head in PK Sciences within Translational Medicine (TM) in Biomedical Research. PKS is a global organization situated within Translational Medicine (TM), the clinical research arm of Biomedical Research within Novartis. PK Sciences plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative medicines to patients, by building research advances to develop new therapies, bridging drug discovery and clinical application. PK Science is an enterprise-wide organization, working across both Biomedical Research and the Development organizations to advance the scientific knowledge of pharmacokinetics, metabolism and clinical pharmacology as well as disciplines as part of the research Development commercial collaboration.


Job Description

Key responsibilities:

  • Independently represent the PK Sciences function in cross-functional project teams, interactions with stakeholders within the organization and interactions with regulatory agencies, as appropriate
  • Leads a PK Science Sub team with interdisciplinary representation of the major functions from within PK Science and beyond
  • Ensures implementation of project strategies and monitors timelines, objectives, and budgets for assigned projects
  • Present projects at various institutional review and approval boards
  • Develop and execute clinical pharmacology strategies, including input into nonclinical and clinical study design, and analyzing PK and PK/PD data, to support compound development from discovery through late clinical development
  • Provide PK, dosage, PK/PD and M&S component of study protocols, reports, project summaries and development plans, and author pharmacokinetic/clinical pharmacology/biopharmaceutics sections of IND/IMPDs and NDA/BLAs as well as prepare appropriate responses to global Health Authority questions
  • Is able to provide managerial reviews for a focused project portfolio
  • Supports strategic initiatives to create a top-performing organization
  • Encourages the use of artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) approaches to enable model guided molecular design, preclinical and clinical data automation, authoring regulatory documents, and the use of predictive models
  • Is a mentor to junior associates in the organization

Essential requirements:

  • Ph.D. / Pharm.D. with relevant experience (minimum 5+ yrs) in clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics or a related background in an industry setting.
  • Extensive and in-depth knowledge of pharmacokinetics including, drug metabolism and PK/PD evaluation, experience in working in project teams (preferably global) as well as sound awareness of recent developments in drug development and regulatory sciences.
  • Demonstrated success in working in a cross-functional, matrixed, project-team environment.
  • An influential Team player and talented negotiator with strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to set priorities within and have strategic overview over a focused portfolio
  • Proven record of mentorship and/or people management

Desirable requirements:

  • Early and late development with core clinical pharmacology expertise is preferred.
  • Experience in Clinical pharmacology with neuroscience preferred.
  • Hands-on project experience with Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches is a plus
  • Prior experience in clinical pharmacology, clinical development and global regulatory submissions, especially IND’s/NDS’s/BLA/s in neuroscience is a preference

This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered.

The salary for this position is expected to range between:

Senior Principal Scientist: $138,600 and $257,400 per year.
Associate Director:  $145,600 and $270,400 per year.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $132,300 and $245,700 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 clickhere.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$138,600.00 - $257,400.00


Skills Desired

Accountability, Biopharmaceutics, Chemistry, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Critical Capabilities, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Due Diligence, Electronic Components, Lifesciences, Mentorship, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Patient Care, Physics, Quality Control, Scheduler, Stakeholders Management, Translational Medicine, Waterfall Model, Well-Being

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this job located?
This position is located in San Diego, CA, and is a hybrid role.
What are the key responsibilities for this role?
You'll represent PK Sciences on cross-functional teams, lead a PK Science Sub team, implement project strategies, and develop/execute clinical pharmacology strategies. Responsibilities also include providing PK components for study protocols and authoring pharmacokinetic sections for regulatory documents.
What qualifications are required for this role?
A Ph.D. or Pharm.D. with 5+ years of relevant experience in clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics or a related background in an industry setting is essential.
What is the salary range for this position?
The salary range is expected to be between $138,600 and $257,400 per year for Senior Principal Scientist, and $145,600 and $270,400 per year for Associate Director. Final title/level will be determined by the hiring team.
What benefits are offered?
US-based employees receive health, life, and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, a generous time off package, and potential eligibility for annual equity awards and performance-based cash incentives.
Who will I report to?
This role reports to the Neuroscience, Therapeutic Area Head in PK Sciences within Translational Medicine (TM) in Biomedical Research.

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Job Information

Source: workday
AI Relevance: 40/100 (Somewhat related)
Remote Type: onsite
Allowed Locations: San Diego
Skills & Tags:
novartis pharma

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