Jobs / United States / Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Director, GDC Head of ADC Oncology Chemistry
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation · 🇺🇸 Cambridge (USA)
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship possible
One solid signal, not two — worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.
- Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 75 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 31 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
- The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
- No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
- What Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation paid sponsored hires in similar roles23 certified filings for “Director, Forecasting-CV” (Data Scientists) in NJ: $170k–$170k, median $170k. Most were filed at wage level IV (83%) — 4 lottery entries, ≈61% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).
- Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).
A verdict summarises public evidence; it is not legal advice and never a guarantee — the employer and the immigration authority decide. Sign in to factor in where you can already work.
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Sponsor Radar — Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
The US Department of Labor certified 75 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 31 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
Past sponsorship or register membership never guarantees sponsorship for this vacancy or for you. Full Sponsor Radar for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation →
About the role
Job Description Summary Job Title: Director, Head of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Oncology Chemistry #LI-Onsite Location: Cambridge, USA Relocation Support: Yes You have the opportunity to shape the chemistry strategy behind the next generation of targeted oncology therapeutics. In this highly influential scientific leadership role, you will lead a talented team of medicinal chemists advancing antibody-drug conjugate and other vectorized drug conjugate programs from early discovery toward key development milestones. Working at the intersection of chemistry, biology and drug discovery, you will help shape portfolio strategy, guide innovative science and build strong partnerships across disciplines, while developing people and creating an environment where bold ideas can translate into meaningful treatments for patients. Job Description Key Responsibilities • Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for antibody-drug conjugate and vectorized drug conjugate programs across the oncology portfolio. • Guide project teams toward critical drug discovery milestones, from exploratory research through candidate nomination. • Build, mentor and develop a high-performing team of medicinal chemists across career levels. • Partner across biology, biotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and process chemistry to advance innovative therapeutic programs. • Shape portfolio strategy, prioritization and resourcing decisions in alignment with broader oncology goals. • Identify emerging technologies, external collaborations and scientific opportunities that strengthen the discovery portfolio. • Foster an innovative, inclusive and collaborative environment while navigating complexity, ambiguity and organizational change. Essential Requirements • Doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline. • Minimum 12 years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology research and development experience, including significant scientific and people leadership experience. • Proven success advancing oncology drug discovery programs toward clinical development. • Deep knowledge and experience with antibody-drug conjugates and other vectorized drug conjugate approaches. • Broad understanding of drug discovery disciplines, including pharmacokinetics, toxicology and pharmacology. • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence across functions and translate complex science into strategic decisions. Desirable Requirements • Experience with computational chemistry tools and structure-based drug design. • Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, structure-activity relationships, lead optimization and rational drug design. Rewards At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. 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 a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave. Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: • US: 185,500.00 - 344,500.00 USD Annual The 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. Further details will be provided during the application process. Pay equity is a fundamental princip