Principal Scientist, Early Pipeline Development

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

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist I with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to develop state-of-the art downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV gene therapy. This role is also responsible for executing early-stage process development with the focus on developability of AAV gene therapy lead candidates as well as new platform process development for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II

Position Location: Onsite, San Diego, CA

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage 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.

Essential Requirements

• 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.

Desired Requirements

• Experiences in AAV gene therapy
• Experience with viral gene therapy

Salary Range

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and between $119,700 and $222,300 per year for Principal Scientist II. 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.

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00

Skills Desired

• Analytical Thinking
• Analytical Thinking
• Chemical Biology
• Chemistry
• Clinical Trials
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Curious Mindset
• Data Analysis
• Data Management
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Detail-Oriented
• Drug Development
• Drug Discovery Process
• Ethics
• Gene Therapy
• Immunology
• Inventory Management
• Laboratory Research
• Leading Project Teams
• Life Science
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Management Techniques
• Medical Research
• Molecular Biology {+ 9 more}

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 [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.