Director, Head of External Animal Activities

Key Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise oversight of Novartis-sponsored external animal activities through partners and collaborators.
• Build alignment across stakeholders while balancing enterprise risk and research objectives.
• Advise senior stakeholders on complex scientific, ethical, operational, and reputational decisions.
• Champion consistent application of Novartis animal welfare expectations across external partnerships.
• Oversee risk management, compliance, and assurance programs across external research partnerships.
• Shape and evolve governance frameworks for responsible and ethical external animal research.
• Drive due diligence, audits, issue resolution, corrective actions, and escalation processes.
• Ensure alignment with animal welfare standards, ethical principles, regulatory expectations, and the 3Rs.
• Support external partnerships, business development, and research initiatives involving animal welfare considerations.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team across a global matrix organization.

Essential Requirements

• Experience leading governance programs, assurance frameworks, or risk-based oversight.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and build alignment in complex matrix environments.
• Experience overseeing external research partners, CROs, or academic collaborations.
• Success with audits, due diligence, issue management, and continuous improvement.
• Veterinary degree (DVM/ VMD or equivalent).
• Deep expertise in laboratory animal medicine, animal welfare, and responsible research oversight.
• Strong knowledge of animal welfare regulations, ethical review principles, and the 3Rs.
• Board certification or equivalent (e.g., DACLAM, DECLAM, or comparable).

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in business development, partnership due diligence, or integration.
• Experience with digital tools/AI-enabled or data-driven oversight.
• Experience across multiple geographies or regulatory environments.

Rewards & Benefits

• Salary range: $176,400–$327,600/year; performance cash incentive; possible annual equity awards.
• Comprehensive benefits (health/life/disability, 401(k) match) and paid time off.

Location: role located in Cambridge, MA; ~20% travel.