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Associate Director Physics Team Leader And Process Automation

5+ years
USD 145,600 – 270,400
10 Nov. 26, 2025
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Hybrid Education: B.Sc/M.Sc/M.Pharma/B.Pharma/Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Associate Director – Physics Team Leader and Process Automation

Location: Indianapolis, IN or Fort Worth, TX, USA
Job Type: Full-Time | Hybrid | 20% Travel
Experience Required: Minimum 5 years in radiopharmaceuticals, radiochemistry, or related fields

Overview

Novartis is seeking an experienced scientific leader to serve as Associate Director, Physics Team Leader and Process Automation within the Global Isotope Development Unit (IDU). This role focuses on advancing isotope production technologies, physical irradiation processes, and automation systems critical for radiopharmaceutical development. The position requires onsite presence in either Indianapolis, IN or Fort Worth, TX, and involves cross-functional leadership across global Novartis sites.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team involved in isotope irradiation technologies, early-stage process development, and process automation strategies that support global radio-isotope development programs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as a core member of the IDU Leadership Team, contributing to strategy, planning, and execution of isotope development programs.

  • Lead the Process Automation and Physics Development Team, managing experts across scientific and engineering domains.

  • Guide early process development, developability assessments, and manufacturing line readiness for radio-isotope production technologies.

  • Co-lead projects alongside project leads, develop project strategies, manage priorities, and prepare content for leadership presentations.

  • Oversee internal radiochemical and physics-based development activities and ensure resource assignment aligns with project needs.

  • Lead project meetings, interpret scientific data, refine strategies, and ensure quality documentation, meeting minutes, and project records.

  • Manage project timelines, risk assessments, and milestone achievement in alignment with IDU and RLT leadership priorities.

  • Foster transparent communication across teams and mentor junior scientists to support growth and capability development.

  • Evaluate external vendors and CROs, support outsourcing strategies, and manage budgets and collaboration opportunities.

  • Promote knowledge-sharing, best practices, continuous improvement, and training initiatives within the unit.

Essential Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or PhD preferred in physics, radiochemistry, engineering, or related scientific discipline.

  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in radiopharmaceuticals, radiochemistry, isotope production, or process automation.

  • Strong background in irradiation technologies, isotope accelerators, and radio-isotope production systems.

  • Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary scientific or engineering teams.

  • Strong project management capabilities with experience in global or cross-functional development environments.

  • Demonstrated ability to balance scientific detail with broader strategic considerations.

  • Excellent communication, organizational, and technical writing skills.

  • Ability to work effectively in dynamic, fast-paced settings while managing multiple priorities.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a collaborative mindset.

Preferred Attributes

  • Experience working with physical irradiation systems and automated production technologies.

  • Ability to handle ambiguity, adapt to new processes, and drive team performance.

  • Established record of contributing to complex scientific or technical programs.

Compensation

  • Salary Range: USD 145,600 – 270,400 annually
    Final compensation is based on experience, skills, and internal alignment. Employees may also be eligible for performance-based incentives and annual equity awards.

Benefits

Eligible US-based employees receive:

  • Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance

  • 401(k) plan with company contribution and match

  • Generous paid time off including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves

  • Additional benefits supporting personal well-being and professional growth

About Novartis

Novartis is committed to transforming the lives of patients through innovation, research excellence, and cross-functional collaboration. The organization values integrity, performance, and scientific curiosity. Detailed culture and benefits information can be found on the Novartis careers site.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Novartis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any legally protected characteristic.

Accessibility Accommodation

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation due to disability may contact the Novartis accommodations team at +1 (877) 395-2339 or via email. Please reference the job requisition number.