Academic Alliance Manager- Biomedical Research

Job Description Summary

The Alliance Manager plays a central role in driving successful collaborations between internal teams and external partners (academic institutions).

This position ensures that joint programs meet scientific, operational, contractual, and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships and clear communication across all stakeholders.

#LI-Hybrid

Location : Cambridge

Job Description

Key Responsibilities :

Alliance Management :

Serve as the primary point of contact for external partners and internal cross-functional stakeholders.

Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships to ensure smooth collaboration.

Facilitate governance meetings (Joint Steering Committees, Joint Project Teams) and ensure clear decision-making pathways.

Track obligations, deliverables, and milestones as defined in collaboration agreements.

Identify and resolve partnership risks, misalignments, or conflicts proactively.

Ensure compliance with contractual terms while encouraging scientific openness and operational efficiency. Amend contract terms as required.

Act as the "voice of partnership health," assessing collaboration quality and championing best practices.

Strategic & Operational Excellence :

Drives alliance onboarding.

Help translate high-level partnership strategy into actionable operational plans.

Improve alliance management processes, templates, and communication tools.

Contribute to portfolio planning, partner evaluations, and strategic frameworks.

Essential Requirements :

Master's degree in life sciences or related field

2+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical R&D, business development, program management, or alliance management.

Strong understanding of drug development stages and cross-functional workflows.

Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

High level of organization; comfort with ambiguity and fast-paced environments.

Understanding managing external partnerships (biotech, academic, or CRO).

Ability to read and interpret key contractual terms.

Desirable Requirements :

Familiarity with digital tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, MS Power BI, etc.).

5+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical R&D, business development, program management, or alliance management.

PhD

The salary for this position is expected to range between $132,300 and $245,700 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

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 or call and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$132,300.00 - $245,700.00

Skills Desired

Business Development, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Customer Experience, Education, Evaluation, Finance, Lifesciences, Media Campaigns, Merchandising, Proactivity, Sales, Scouting, Search, Selling Skills, Transactions, Waterfall Model, Wireless Communication