Clinical Sciences Trial Leader (Trial Leadership) – Translational Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology (80-100%) in Basel

• Salary
• Range: CHF93,800.00 - CHF174,200.00 Band Level 4 Job
• Description
• Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland LI#-Hybrid We are seeking a Clinical Sciences Trial Leader (CSTL) to join Clinical Sciences & Innovation (CS&I) – Translational Medicine, in the Clinical Pharmacology team in Basel.

This position plays a critical role in the delivery of first-in-human (FIH) and clinical pharmacology studies, representing a major step in the development of new medicines.

You will be accountable for the scientific and operational leadership of clinical pharmacology trials, typically conducted in healthy volunteers, ensuring high quality, interpretable data to inform key program decisions.

The CSTL role in Clinical Pharmacology is distinct in its strong focus on delivery through others.

You will act as the primary bridge between Novartis and the qualified Contract Research Organizations (CROs) conducting clinical pharmacology studies, providing clear direction, oversight and integration from protocol development through to Clinical Study Report (CSR) delivery.

This is a highly collaborative, hands‑on role, requiring strong study leadership, excellent communication skills and confidence operating at the interface between internal teams and external partners.

This position is based in Basel, with flexibility to work remotely for up to two days a week.

Domestic and international travel may be required to support investigator meetings, study team engagement and trial oversight.

Work permit support cannot be offered for this role.

Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Job Description Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for assigned clinical pharmacology studies, including first-in-human and other early phase healthy volunteer trials.
• Act as independent Clinical Sciences Trial Leader in the Clinical Pharmacology team, accountable for end‑to‑end‑ study delivery from protocol development through to CSR finalization.
• Lead the clinical pharmacology protocol synopsis development process, serving as responsible author in close collaboration with Medical, Pharmacokinetics, Biomarker, Statistics and other cross‑functional‑partners to deliver the protocol synopsis that forms the basis for the selected CRO to develop into a full protocol.
• Serve as the primary Novartis point of contact to the CRO, providing guidance, oversight and challenge to ensure high quality‑study conduct and delivery.
• Lead and coordinate internal cross‑functional study teams, ensuring effective integration of inputs and alignment with CRO activities.
• Oversee study start‑up, conduct and closeout, including review of key deliverables, issue management and risk mitigation.
• Lead the ongoing review of clinical study data, including emerging PK, PD and safety data, supporting timely interpretation and decision making, e. g. for dose escalation decisions.
• Contribute to Clinical Study Reports (CSRs), internal decision documents and program updates, ensuring clarity, scientific rigor and traceability.
• Share lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of clinical pharmacology study delivery.
• Act as a strong role model within study teams, fostering effective collaboration, accountability and high standards of scientific and operational excellence.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or healthcare required; advanced degree (MSc, Ph D, Pharm D, MD or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience in clinical pharmacology, early clinical development or clinical trial delivery, ideally within a pharmaceutical environment, for ~2+ years
• Demonstrated experience contributing to or leading first‑in‑human and/or clinical pharmacology studies, including healthy volunteer trials.
• Strong experience in protocol development, early phase‑study design and clinical data interpretation, particularly PK/PD and safety data.
• Proven ability to deliver studies through external partners, with experience working closely with CROs and managing outsourced trial conduct.
• Strong study leadership and coordination skills, with the ability to align diverse stakeholders and drive delivery in a matrix environment.
• Comfortable operating with a high degree of personal ownership and accountability, managing complexity and ambiguity inherent in early phase‑development.
• A clear growth mindset, with interest in developing own capabilities and contributing positively to team effectiveness and the wider CSI culture.
• Solid understanding of ICH GCP, regulatory requirements and high‑quality clinical trial conduct, particularly in the context of FIH studies.

Benefits & Rewards

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 93,800.00 - 174,200.00 CHF Annual.

• The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.
• In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.
• The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives.
• We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.
• Long‑term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

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Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable.

A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

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 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired

Budget Management, Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Protocols, Clinical Trials, Coaching, Data Analysis, Data Integrity, Learning Design, Life Science, Risk Monitoring, Trend Analysis Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science.

It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them.

It takes a team of people like you.

Working together.

Learning together.

Thriving together.

Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives.

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