Novartis Posted August 4, 2026

Senior Principal Scientist/Associate Director Clinical PBPK (Dual Level Posting)

Basel (City), Switzerland Regular
Clinical Development Associate Director

Novartis is the source of truth for this posting and owns the application process. We surface normalized context and market comparison you won't find on the original listing.

About this opportunity

#LI-Hybrid Internal Title: Senior Principal Scientist or Associate DirectorLocation: Basel, SwitzerlandThe Modeling & Simulation group within PK Sciences is looking for a Principal Scientist to Associate Director level modeler, to develop and apply translational physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling along with data analysis techniques to facilitate drug discovery, development, and translational research across disease areas. Importantly, the candidate has experience with regulatory submissions and in successful regulatory interactions. The candidate’s core responsibilities will include PBPK modeling to integrate in vitro and in vivo data for drug-drug interaction (DDI) assessments, impact of biopharmaceutics properties on absorption, and pharmacokinetic (PK) predictions in humans as well as in specific populations (e.g. disease, organ impairment, pediatrics). The ultimate goal of this work is to be on the forefront of applying PBPK models to inform the safe administration of our drug candidates in the clinic, to optimize clinical trial designs, and waive clinical trials, ultimately, to get our medicines to patients faster.The role requires a deep understanding of ADME/DMPK principles and biopharmaceutics knowledge, experience with industry standard PBPK modeling packages (such as GastroPlus or Simcyp) or bespoke PBPK models, regulatory submissions involving PBPK modeling, interdisciplinary thinking and great attention to detail. The applicant will work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment to build, verify and apply quality translational/biopharmaceutical PBPK models.

Key responsibilities:Expert PBPK modeler to provide translational modeling support for global drug discovery and development projectsPerform translational PBPK analyses to predict clinical drug exposure in specific populations, assess potential for DDI, understand clinical impact of disease on drug exposure, as well as apply biopharmaceutic PBPK modeling to support formulation changes and achieve clinical biowaiversIntegrate PK/ PD data, ADME and DDI findings Ability to interpret and communicate modeling results and potential impact to project teamsPrepare summary documents for use in regulatory submissions and ability to respond independently to health authority questionsEssential requirements PhD in pharmaceutical sciences or related discipline with experience in ADME/DMPK sciences, biopharmaceutics, and modeling and simulation. At least 5+ years in pharmaceutical industry including demonstrated knowledge and experience with PBPK modeling.  The level of the position would depend upon the experience of the candidate.Hands on experience with PBPK modeling tools such as PK-Sim, Simcyp, or GastroPlus is required.  In addition, experience with modeling software such as Monolix, R, Phoenix, or Nonmem is desired. Experience in authoring regulatory documents, knowledge of global regulatory requirements and guidanceBroad knowledge of drug discovery and development, e.g., pharmacokinetics, drug delivery, formulation, ADME, DDI, etc.This is a hybrid role that requires a balance of in-person and virtual working, with an average of 12 days a month on site in Basel, Switzerland.Candidates with demonstrated impact as a modeler, preferably in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, and with commensurate experience and proficiency may be considered for the Principal Scientist II (5+ years) or Associate Director (8+ years) role.This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offeredBenefits & Rewards At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.   Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 122,500.00 - 227,500.00 CHF AnnualThe 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.   Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:   https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf   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 / EEONovartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.Accessibility and accommodationNovartis 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 [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Job details

Seniority
Associate Director
Function
Clinical Development
Therapeutic area
Not listed
Location
Basel (City), Switzerland
Employment type
Regular

How this role compares

Computed from every other active Clinical Development role in our database, not just this employer's listings.

We currently track 309 comparable Associate Director Clinical Development roles across 48 biopharma companies.

309Comparable roles tracked
273Currently active
48Companies hiring similar roles
28Countries represented

Salary context

66 of 309 peers report a salary range (USD, annualized)

Peers share this role's job function and a matching or adjacent seniority level -- not necessarily the same therapeutic area or country.

This roleSubject $122,500/yr – $227,500/yr
Peer group range $90,199 – $315,000 (median $180,250)

Where these roles are based

Top locations among the 309 comparable roles

United States107
India87
China13
Poland11
United Kingdom11
Spain9

+ 22 more countries

Seniority mix

309 of 309 peers have a known seniority level

Manager146
Senior91
Associate Director72

Therapeutic area mix

24 of 309 peers have a known therapeutic area; the rest are genuinely unlabeled, not hidden

Oncology9
Immunology6
Cardiovascular / CVRM4
Neuroscience3
Dermatology & Aesthetics1
Ophthalmology1

Similar opportunities

The closest matches from our peer group, ranked by how similar they are, not how well you'd qualify for them -- treat this as market context, not a guaranteed shortlist; a weak match is labeled as one below.

50%similar
Novartis Basel (City), Switzerland Manager
Same function Adjacent seniority Same country
50%similar
VIATRIS INNOVATION GMBH Allschwil-Office, Switzerland Senior
Same function Adjacent seniority Same country
45%similar
AstraZeneca Seoul, Korea, Korea, Republic of Associate Director
Same function Same seniority
45%similar
AstraZeneca Da'an Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan Associate Director
Same function Same seniority
45%similar
Lilly Cork, Cork, Ireland Associate Director
Same function Same seniority
45%similar
Lilly Cork, Cork, Ireland Associate Director
Same function Same seniority

How we calculate "similar"

No black box, no LLM guesswork: a deterministic score built from four normalized attributes. Here's this role's own peer group at different match levels, so you can see the mechanism, not just the result.

Every comparison starts from the same 100-point budget: 25 for working in the same function, 40 for the same therapeutic area, 20 for the same or adjacent seniority, 15 for the same country. A dimension we can't confirm on both sides contributes nothing, never a guess, never a free pass.

50%
Clinical Data Strategy, Manager
Novartis · Basel (City), Switzerland · Manager
Function Therapeutic area Adjacent seniority Country
45%
Associate Director, Clinical Research
AstraZeneca · Da'an Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan · Associate Director
Function Therapeutic area Seniority Country
45%
Associate Director - Clinical Research Lead
Lilly · Gurgaon, Haryāna, India · Associate Director
Function Therapeutic area Seniority Country
45%
Associate Director, Clinical Pharmacology
AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Associate Director
Function Therapeutic area Seniority Country
Unmatched or unknown dimensions score exactly the same: 0 points, never a partial guess. A role we know almost nothing about beyond its function bottoms out at 25%; it never inflates to 100% just because there's little to compare against. Seniority uses a defined ladder (Associate → Manager → Associate Director → Senior → Principal → Director → Senior Director → Executive/VP) so "Director" and "Senior Director" count as adjacent, but "Director" and "Executive/VP" do not.