Medical Director - Neuroscience, Global Medical Affairs

Why This Role Matters
Medical Directors in Global Medical Affairs play a critical role in shaping the medical and scientific strategy for innovative therapies across the drug development lifecycle. Their work ensures that new treatments are supported by strong scientific evidence, effective clinical research, and strategic medical communication. This role helps pharmaceutical companies deliver breakthrough therapies while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and improved patient outcomes worldwide.

Job Description
Novartis is seeking a Medical Director, Neuroscience – Global Medical Affairs to join its team in Hyderabad. This hybrid role focuses on leading medical strategy for neuroscience programs across the global product lifecycle. The Medical Director will oversee integrated evidence generation, guide medical affairs strategies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and provide expert scientific leadership for complex therapeutic assets. The position requires extensive pharmaceutical industry experience and strong expertise in neuroscience-related therapeutic areas.

Key Features of the Role
• Position: Medical Director – Neuroscience, Global Medical Affairs
• Company: Novartis
• Location: Hyderabad
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Work Model: Hybrid

Responsibilities
• Lead the development and execution of global medical affairs strategies for neuroscience therapeutic areas
• Design and implement integrated evidence plans for early and late-stage drug development programs
• Oversee innovative research initiatives including interventional studies, non-interventional studies (NIS), and real-world evidence (RWE) research
• Collaborate with development teams, global medical affairs, and research organizations to shape product portfolios
• Provide scientific leadership and strategic input during the design and execution of clinical programs
• Develop medical education initiatives, scientific publications, and communication strategies
• Support the creation of medical expert networks and stakeholder engagement programs
• Monitor budgets and ensure effective financial management of medical activities
• Represent global medical affairs to internal leadership and external scientific communities
• Provide insights for potential new therapeutic indications and research opportunities

Required Qualification
• MD (Neurologist preferred) or PhD / PharmD in Neuroscience or Health Sciences
• Specialist qualification related to gene therapy or neuroscience is advantageous

Important Requirements
• Minimum 10+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in medical affairs or clinical development
• Strong knowledge of drug development processes and regulatory environments
• Ability to lead complex scientific projects with high strategic importance
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Deep understanding of healthcare systems and scientific communication strategies

Employment Options
• Full-time leadership role
• Hybrid working model based in Hyderabad

What We Offer
• Opportunity to lead global medical strategies for innovative neuroscience therapies
• Work within a leading global pharmaceutical organization
• Access to advanced research, drug development, and medical affairs initiatives
• Professional development and leadership opportunities
• Competitive benefits and rewards program

Experience and Skills
• Global medical affairs strategy and leadership
• Drug development and regulatory knowledge
• Clinical research and evidence generation
• Strategic planning and stakeholder management
• Scientific communication and publication planning
• Cross-functional collaboration in global organizations

Salary Insights
• Salary not specified in the job listing
• Senior Medical Director roles in global pharmaceutical companies typically offer highly competitive compensation packages with bonuses and benefits depending on experience

Company Overview
Novartis is a global healthcare company focused on developing innovative medicines that improve and extend people's lives. With a strong presence in research, development, and medical affairs, the company works across multiple therapeutic areas including neuroscience, oncology, and rare diseases. Novartis emphasizes scientific excellence, patient-centered innovation, and a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.

FAQs

1. What experience is required for this role?
   Candidates typically need at least 10 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in medical affairs or clinical development.

2. Is neuroscience specialization mandatory?
   An MD with specialization in neurology is preferred, though related expertise in neuroscience or health sciences may also be considered.

3. What type of work does the role involve?
   The role focuses on global medical strategy, evidence generation, research collaboration, and leadership within the medical affairs function.

4. Is this a clinical or non-clinical position?
   This is a non-clinical leadership role within the pharmaceutical industry's medical affairs department.

Application Tips
• Highlight pharmaceutical industry experience in medical affairs or clinical development
• Demonstrate expertise in neuroscience or related therapeutic areas
• Showcase leadership experience in global medical strategy and research programs
• Include experience with clinical trials, evidence generation, and regulatory collaboration