Associate Director, ADC platform in Oncology Drug Discovery
Band
Level 5Job Description Summary
#LI-OnsiteLocation: Cambridge, MA, USA
About the Role
We are seeking an accomplished Associate Director to join our discovery organization and lead scientific strategy across ADC payloads, linker technologies, and conjugation approaches. This role is central to advancing differentiated antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and related targeted therapeutics by integrating deep payload expertise, linker/conjugation knowledge, and biology-driven mechanism-of-action insights.
The ideal candidate brings strong industry experience in ADC discovery or development, with a proven track record of applying payload, linker, and conjugation expertise to therapeutic program strategy. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to design, evaluate, and advance next-generation ADC concepts with the goal of delivering transformative therapies to patients.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Lead scientific strategy for ADC payload selection, linker design, conjugation approaches, and related platform innovations
Apply deep expertise across payload classes, mechanisms of action, potency, resistance biology, bystander activity, and tolerability to guide program design
Partner with chemistry, biology, protein engineering, pharmacology, translational sciences, and CMC teams to advance next-generation ADCs
Evaluate and prioritize novel payloads, linker technologies, and conjugation approaches for internal programs and external opportunities
Provide biology-driven insights into payload mechanism of action, tumor context, therapeutic index, and combination strategies
Design and guide experimental strategies to assess ADC activity, selectivity, resistance mechanisms, linker stability, and payload-related pharmacology
Contribute to next-generation ADC platform strategy, including differentiated payload-linker concepts and biology-aligned ADC design
Represent payload/linker expertise in cross-functional project teams, governance discussions, and external collaborations
Monitor scientific, clinical, competitive, and IP landscapes related to ADC payloads, linkers, and emerging targeted modalities
Mentor scientists and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing research environment
Essential Requirements
Ph.D. in cancer biology, pharmacology, chemical biology, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, bioengineering, or related discipline
5-10 years of relevant industry experience in ADC discovery, targeted therapeutics, or oncology drug discovery
Extensive expertise in ADC payloads, including mechanism of action, potency, resistance biology, and therapeutic index considerations
Strong knowledge of linker and conjugation technologies, including stability, release mechanisms, site-specific conjugation, and developability
Deep understanding of ADC biology including tumor targeting, internalization, trafficking, payload release, bystander effects, and pharmacology
Demonstrated ability to integrate biology, chemistry, and translational data into actionable program strategies
Proven experience leading cross-functional scientific discussions and influencing program direction
Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:
The salary for this position is expected to range between $152,600-$283,400 USD Annual 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.
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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.
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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] +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.
https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings
Salary Range
$152,600.00 - $283,400.00Skills Desired
Analytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills (Inactive), Curious Mindset, Data (Inactive), Data Analysis, Decision Making, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Gene Therapy- Leadership (Inactive), Influence (Inactive), Laboratory (Inactive), Leading Project Teams, Lifesciences (Inactive), Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research {+ 11 more}