Women in Science: Hannah Mosca

Oncology Regulatory Affairs Leader Hannah Mosca describes her lifelong interest in science and math, and what it’s like to work at Novartis

Nov 22, 2016
Director of Operations, Oncology Regulatory Affairs - OGD & GMA, Hannah Mosca
Hannah Mosca, Director of Operations, Oncology Regulatory Affairs (OGD & GMA) at Novartis

In this installment of “Novartis Presents: Women in Science,” we hear from Hannah Mosca, who serves as Director of Operations, Oncology Regulatory Affairs, Oncology Global Development (OGD) and Global Medical Affairs (GMA) at Novartis. Mosca is responsible for leading organizational and operational activities, and works across the organization to ensure objectives and business goals are met. She holds a doctor of pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the US, and started her career at Novartis in 2008 through the Rutgers University Pharm.D. fellowship program.

When did you first know you wanted to work in science?

I first knew I wanted to work in science when I was 10 years old. I was completing a project for school, a prediction of my future, which included my career. At the time I was interested in becoming a pharmacist, as suggested by a family friend due to my love for chemistry and mathematics. I now hold a Pharm.D. degree and, although I don’t practice as a pharmacist, I believe everything I do contributes to the development of safe, effective and innovative medicines for patients worldwide.

What is your advice for young women and girls interested in science?

My advice for young women and girls interested in science is to pursue their passion and strive to overcome any and all obstacles with the goal of ultimately contributing to a better tomorrow.

What is your favorite part of your job at Novartis?

One of my favorite parts right now is the work I get to do in support of our oncology pediatric portfolio – liaising with a team made up of people from a variety of disciplines and functions to create innovative strategies for developing drugs and biologics for pediatric patients.

My advice for young women and girls interested in science is to pursue their passion and strive to overcome any and all obstacles with the goal of ultimately contributing to a better tomorrow.

What is the most challenging part?

One of the most challenging, yet interesting and rewarding, parts of my job is finding new ways to lead and motivate various associates across Oncology Regulatory Affairs and the larger Novartis organization to work together and deliver into a common goal or objective.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?

If I could have any super power, it would be the power to heal. This would allow me to ease pain and suffering, and potentially cure serious diseases in people around the world.


“Novartis Presents: Women in Science” is an ongoing series showcasing women at Novartis who are helping develop innovative oncology medicines for people with cancer and related diseases.

Novartis “Women in Science” series spotlights Hannah Mosca in Oncology Regulatory Affairs. #WomenInScience

Responses have been edited for length.