External Animal Activities Manager / Senior Manager

Job Description Summary

The role of the Global Risk Review Team (GRRT) Manager / Senior Manager is a business critical position within the Novartis Animal Welfare & Integrity Assurance function responsible for leading the review body that provides ethical oversight of outsourced in vivo activities sponsored by Novartis. This role is essential for ensuring the proper care and welfare of animals enrolled on Novartis studies at external partner sites, that data and trends on animal engagement are monitored and reported as applicable, and that all GRRT processes are compliant with applicable Novartis Corporate Policies and Controls and External Party Risk Management (EPRM) policies and processes. This role is also responsible for day-to-day operations and administration of all oversight programs related to Novartis outsourced in vivo engagements.

LI-Hybrid

The ideal location for this role is Cambridge, MA but remote work may be possible (there may be some restrictions based on legal entity). Please note that this role would not provide relocation as a result. If associate is remote, all home office expenses and any travel / lodging to Cambridge for periodic live meetings will be at the employee's expense. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and / or international) will be defined by the hiring manager. This position will require 5-10% travel.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities :

Global Risk Review Team Management : Serve as Chair of the Novartis Global Risk Review Team (GRRT) the ethical review body that provides oversight of Novartis External Animal Activities. Manage and adapt GRRT ways of working as business needs and external in vivo environment change. Apply principles of process and operational excellence to GRRT management. Create and implement vision for future use of novel technologies (ex. AI) into program management. Conduct AW assessments, including virtual and physical AW audits, and support oversight needs for large animal (dog, NHP) engagements. Manage protocol review databases and stakeholder communications. Directly perform or oversee post-approval monitoring activities.

GRRT Subteam and NHP Experts Management : oversee and implement administration of both GRRT subteams responsible for reviewing and approving in vivo study protocols. Manage the review queue for the GRRT subteam protocol review process in Jira.

External Party Risk Management : Act as lead AW risk assessor for the Novartis External Party Risk Management (EPRM) system.

Novartis Creative Marketplace Liaison : Serve as liaison and administrator of AW approvals in research service platforms (ex. scientist.com)

External Animal Activity Data Analysis : Collect raw data related to external animal activities and analyze trends.

Training and Education : Develop and deliver training programs to raise awareness and educate employees conducting Novartis sponsored external in vivo studies on AW processes and requirements. Train staff members on Novartis Animal Welfare Policy and work flows for submitting animal welfare audit requests and external animal study plans for ethical review. Support scientists as a consultant and subject matter expert on animal welfare topics

Stakeholder Management : Interface with key stakeholders within Novartis and at third parties involved in conducting Novartis-sponsored in vivo activities. Stakeholder management will include identifying and following up on concerns, resolving conflicts, fostering positive relationships, and practicing emotional intelligence and resiliency. Use a collaborative approach to research community and laboratory animal care programs to facilitate both scientific studies and animal welfare excellence.

Innovation in Administration : Use available technologies including AI and automation to efficiently administer all components of the outsourced in vivo program oversight including AW audit related communications, study protocol reviews, scientist.com, EPRM, Jira, and others.

Role Requirements :

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline, advanced degree (MS, PhD, DVM) strongly preferred.
• Passion for and understanding of research animal welfare and the 3Rs
• Direct in vivo experience working with large animal species highly desirable
• Experience with preclinical safety assessment studies is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of animal welfare regulations (ex. US, EU) and AAALAC expectations including standards, best practices, and core animal welfare principles.
• Strong experience in conducting vendor due diligence assessments related to animal welfare is a plus.
• Experience managing multiple diverse workstreams using technologies such as : Microsoft 365 suite (Sharepoint, Teams, Copilot), Jira, Excel, etc. Comfort level with automation and novel technologies. Able to prioritize workstreams as needed
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to engage and influence diverse stakeholders
• Ability to independently analyze data, identify trends, problem solve, and make data-driven decisions
• Change management expertise to navigate organizational dynamics and drive adoption of Novartis AW standards
• Demonstrates proven ability to positively impact project goals and directions based on analysis of available information

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 offered (Manager / Senior Manager)

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary : The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between : $114,100 and $211,900 / year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1 / 1 / 25 through 12 / 31 / 25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and / or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department / team performance, and market factors.

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, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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 to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call 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.

Salary Range

114,100.00 - $211,900.00

Skills Desired

Auditing, Compliance Risk, Data Analysis, Operational Excellence, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Reporting, Waterfall Model

Salary : $114,100 - $211,900