Development Unit Head Patient Safety - Oncology

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.

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

Benefits and Rewards: 

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

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 & 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.