Lead, Preclinical Development

Job Description Summary

Technical Research & Development (TRD) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the discovery pharmaceutics function, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Profiling (CPP), and contribute to the development of discovery compounds. This successful candidate will join an energizing and collaborative research environment working as part of cross functional drug discovery teams in providing a developability assessment of new chemical entities.

Job Description

Technical Research & Development (TRD) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the discovery pharmaceutics function, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Profiling (CPP), and contribute to the development of discovery compounds. This successful candidate will join an energizing and collaborative research environment working as part of cross functional drug discovery teams in providing a developability assessment of new chemical entities.

The ideal candidate must be capable of working independently to support projects through the preclinical stages by being a core team member of the research teams and providing a developability assessment of small molecules to expedite them into preclinical PK, PD and tox studies via formulation. Additionally, they will recommend physical form and clinical formulation principles based on biopharmaceutical properties to ensure smooth knowledge transfer to early development colleagues. As such, strong competency in physical pharmacy, preclinical formulation development and biopharmaceutics is required to efficiently function in this role and in understanding the physicochemical properties of new chemical entities and implementing formulation strategies to maximize the exposure in preclinical in vivo studies.

The candidate must demonstrate and foster strong team spirit and promote knowledge exchange within and between teams. Furthermore, the candidate should be able to proactively manage the interactions of project related activities between CPP and other departments such as research and pharmaceutical development. The candidate must ensure alignment with other departments and functions and 3rd parties, as appropriate. To accomplish this, the role requires timely communication of overall project information to the appropriate management level via oral and written communication and ensuring that the project team objectives are in alignment with functional objectives.

Your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Represent TRD as a member of research stage core project teams, contributing to overall project strategy and success.

• Screening of phase appropriate formulations to enable robust in vivo assessment of new compounds and preparation of formulations for use in preclinical in vivo studies and authoring protocols to enable preparation of formulations for use at internal and external formulation labs

• Conduct assessment of new compounds to identify the main risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Proactively communicate key issues to influence selection of compounds with favorable profiles.

• Basic drug substance characterization by techniques such as XRPD, DSC and TGA, DVS, PLM and UPLC. Assessment of the chemical and physical properties of small molecules, such as solubility, dissolution, particle size and chemical stability

What you will bring to the role:

• Advanced degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or related scientific field with 3+ years relevant experience in pharmaceutical development or another related field

• Hands on experience with a range of analytical methods used to assess small molecule compound properties.

• Practical experience in the developability and biopharmaceutical assessment of low molecular weight compounds

• The ability to manage multiple parallel activities and deliver results to agreed timelines in a highly dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

• Ability to work both independently and as a core member in multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with particular competence in writing and reviewing technical reports

Desirable requirements:

• Demonstrated proficiency in solid state properties and their relationship to formulation development and developability is highly preferred.

• Experience in applying a diversity of formulation approaches to improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble/permeable small molecule drug candidates is a plus.

• Knowledge of biopharmaceutics to assess drug candidate developability and formulation development is ideal.

Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $98,700 to $183,300/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

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 [email protected] 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

$98,700.00 - $183,300.00

Skills Desired

Analysis, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Skill, Automation, Chemical Analysis, Chemical Laboratory, Chemical Synthesis, Chemistry, Creativity, Curiosity, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Innovation, Innovative Medicines, Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Industry, R&D (Research And Development), Research, Science, Team Player