Chief of Staff

Reporting:

Chief Scientific Officer & Site Head, Mariana Oncology

Description:

We are seeking an experienced Chief of Staff to join Mariana’s Leadership Team, advancing personalized medicine and radiopharmaceuticals. This person will play a pivotal role in supporting the CSO & Site Head in all strategic and operational initiatives, and will be the lynchpin between Mariana, Novartis Biomedical Research (NIBRI), Technical Research & Development (TRD), Translational Clinical Oncology (TCO), Strategy & Growth (S&G), and other key stakeholders. S/he will focus on leadership engagement, portfolio strategy, facilitating smooth advancement of pipeline programs, be the Point-of-Contact for enterprise integration activities, and provide leadership on strategic initiatives. This person will be an effective relationship-builder and possess the ability to selectively debate decisions and/or offer alternative solutions in a productive manner and with respect.

Illustrative Breadth of Responsibilities:

• Overall accountability for setting the portfolio vision, strategy, and goals in the context of the Mariana RLT portfolio
• Ensure optimal and timely portfolio & program execution, proactively identifying portfolio & program risks and challenges; develop contingency plans as necessary and apply the right pressure where needed to drive results
• Serve as a member of the Joint Steering Committee, with accountability as Committee Secretary for facilitation, agenda setting, documentation, and follow-up to ensure robust governance, compliance, strategic alignment, and timely decision-making
• Champion and lead change management, balancing integration with autonomy to enable sustainable performance, cultural cohesion, and long‑term value creation
• Chair the Portfolio Review Group, with accountability for oversight of Mariana Oncology programs 
• Incorporate commercial landscape, competitive intelligence, and KOL engagement into portfolio & program strategy and deliverables via collaboration with Novartis S&G function
• Influence the creation of shared objectives across Mariana and key stakeholders from NIBRI, TRD, TCO, and elsewhere
• Define a comprehensive publication strategy for program-related findings and developments
• Lead strategic working groups that span cross-Novartis functions (e.g. TRD) to enable Mariana portfolio planning and delivery
• Serve as a confidential thought partner to the Mariana Site Head and Leadership Team, ensuring functional connectivity across Mariana and Novartis
• Define operational benchmarks, resource requirements, and resource allocation in partnership with People & Organization (P&O) and Finance, ensuring alignment with strategic vision and operational priorities
• Lead integration activities across Legal, Ethics, Risk and Compliance, Procurement, and Science Enablement to support scientific focus and maintain compliance with biotech agility
• Lead internal and external communications, including strategies and policies on behalf of the Site Head and LT

Requirements/Skills:

• Advanced degree in relevant scientific discipline (PhD strongly preferred); other advanced degrees may also be considered
• 15+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry; experience in both large, complex, multinational pharmaceutical organizations and emerging biotech environments is strongly preferred; experience leading operational projects in a consulting environment will also be considered
• Experience in oncology is strongly preferred; experience in Radioligand Therapy (RLT) is preferred but not required
• Work collaboratively and proactively, maintaining a high degree of planning, coordination & project management skills; demonstrated ability to problem solve & resolve conflict with diplomacy
• Effective financial mindset; solid fiscal discipline and adherence to budgets, coupled with an understanding of how to prioritize investments and maximize return on investments
• Highly polished communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to influence in a highly matrixed environment
• Exhibit strong emotional intelligence, confidentiality, maturity, and organizational savvy
• Must be discreet, action-oriented, mission-driven, strategic, proactive, highly organized, and committed to the vision and values of Mariana Oncology and Novartis
• Execute highly effective working team meetings with internal and external partners; be visibly inclusive and transparent
• Strong problem solving and strategic skills; demonstrated learning agility

Mariana Oncology Compensation Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $185,500 and $344,500 per year. Your compensation will also include a performance-based cash incentive.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and will be reviewed periodically upon joining Mariana Oncology. Mariana may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Mariana Oncology’s Principles

• Building a Legacy
• Execution Excellence
• Courage of our Convictions