AAV Downstream Lead Scientist — Early Pipeline

Novartis AG; San Diego; On-site; MXN 2,021,000 - 4,141,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis AG in San Diego seeks a Principal Scientist I/II to lead downstream purification development for next-generation AAV gene therapy and to drive early-stage process development focused on developability of lead candidates. The role requires coordinating cross-functional teams and transferring manufacturing knowledge to R&D for clinical progression.

The position emphasizes hands-on purification with AKTA systems, strong experimental design, and collaboration with upstream, analytical, and

Qualifications

• PhD in bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, gene therapy or a related field with 3+ years of relevant process development experience in biotechnology/pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience in people management.
• Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography with hands on experience with AKTA purification systems.
• Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts.
• Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and matrix environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 3-5 person downstream process team and provide technical support, training, and SME knowledge to assist with the professional development of direct reports.
• Coordinate activities with associates across upstream process and analytical teams.
• Develop strategies in collaboration with Disease Areas and partner with various line functions to support early drug discovery from target selection and validation through lead compound selection and developability assessment.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to transfer manufacturing process knowledge to Technical Research & Development team and advance pipeline programs into clinical phases.
• Lead effort and work collaboratively with Technical Research & Development to develop innovative and cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
• Manage multiple project workflow to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare written reports conforming to defined documentation practices including electronic lab notebook.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Chemical Biology

Chemistry

Clinical Trials

Collaboration

Communication

Data Analysis

Data Management

Design of Experiments

Detail-Oriented

Drug Development

Drug Discovery Process

Ethics

Gene Therapy

Immunology

Inventory Management

Laboratory Research

Leading Project Teams

Life Science

Machine Learning

Management Techniques

Medical Research

Molecular Biology

Education

PhD in Bioprocessing or Biochemical Engineering

3+ years biotech/pharmaceutical process development

Tools

AKTA purification systems

Job description

Novartis AG in San Diego seeks a Principal Scientist I/II to lead downstream purification development for next-generation AAV gene therapy and to drive early-stage process development focused on developability of lead candidates. The role requires coordinating cross-functional teams and transferring manufacturing knowledge to R&D for clinical progression.

The position emphasizes hands-on purification with AKTA systems, strong experimental design, and collaboration with upstream, analytical, and