Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development

Novartis; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401k

Job summary

Novartis is seeking an Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development (Contract) in Durham, NC. The role supports gene therapy downstream activities, including pilot- and large-scale batch execution, with hands-on filtration, chromatography, and TFF operations.

You will work under senior team guidance to plan, execute, and analyze experiments, documenting results per good practices. This is a 18-month contract through an MSP with W-2 employment terms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or related field with 2 years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 0–1 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with downstream unit operations at small or large scale: depth filtration, chromatography, or tangential flow filtration (TFF).
• Ability to carry out experiments and process operations following procedures.
• Strong data analysis and ability to summarize results.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and good documentation practices.
• Effective written and verbal communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Execute experimental and process activities for defined program deliverables under guidance.
• Perform downstream operations (depth filtration, chromatography, TFF) at small and large scale.
• Support pilot- and large-scale batches, including prep, operation, sampling and documentation.
• Analyze data and share results with the team.

Skills

Downstream operations

Data analysis

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in biological sciences/pharmaceutical sciences/chemical engineering

Master’s degree with 0–1 years of experience

Job description

This role is offered through [MSP/supplier/third party provider], who, if selected, will be your employer. If your services are retained, you will be assigned to provide services to Novartis as the end client. This is not an offer of employment with Novartis. If you are selected for this Temporary/External opportunity, you will not be an employee of Novartis and will not be eligible for any Novartis employee benefits or incentives.

Novartis touches the lives of a tenth of the world’s population. Every role here, regardless of contract type, makes an impact on human life!

Novartis US partners with external managed service provider Magnit Global to offer engaging temporary contractor opportunities like this, to those who are looking for flexibility in their career while looking to gain new skills and experiences providing services to an inclusive global medicines company.

Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development

About the Role

The Gene Therapy Downstream Process Development Team within Technical Research & Development (TRD) organization drives purification process development for gene therapy assets across both adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral vector (LVV) modalities.

The Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development (Contract) is a temporary contract position providing hands‑on experimental and operational support for defined gene therapy development activities. The role will support the planning, execution, and analysis of assigned experiments in support of gene therapy program initiatives. This role performs hands‑on downstream process work at small and large scale and supports the execution of pilot‑and large‑scale batches. The position is intended to provide focused execution capacity for current program needs, working closely with downstream team members and cross‑functional partners.

Major Accountabilities

• Execute assigned experimental and process activities in support of defined program deliverables, working under the guidance of senior team members.
• Perform hands‑on downstream process operations, such as depth filtration, chromatography, and/or tangential flow filtration (TFF), at both small and large scale.
• Support the execution of pilot‑and large‑scale batches, including equipment and materials preparation, process operation, sampling, and documentation.
• Compile, analyze, and summarize experimental data and share results and observations with the team.
• Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results in accordance with good documentation practices.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory equipment, buffers, and materials, and help coordinate laboratory activities and supplies for assigned studies.
• Follow safety requirements, technical standards, and best practices, and contribute ideas for continuous improvement of laboratory processes.
• Coordinate with downstream team members and cross‑functional partners as needed to support timely study and batch execution.
• Provide flexible, hands‑on support across assigned studies and batch activities based on evolving program and team needs.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or a related technical field with 2 years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 0–1 years of relevant experience.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one of the following downstream unit operations at small or large scale: depth filtration, chromatography, or tangential flow filtration (TFF).
• Ability to carry out assigned experiments and process operations accurately, following established procedures and protocols.
• Working knowledge of data analysis and the ability to summarize and communicate experimental results.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to good documentation practices.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

Desired Requirements

• Experience supporting pilot‑or large‑scale batch execution.
• Knowledge of viral gene therapy and experience with AAV or LVV downstream processes.

Location: Durham, NC (Onsite)

Pay Rate: $35 - $38/Hour W-2 Only (based on Education/Experience)

Shift: Mon – Friday (8 – 5)

Contract: 18‑month

Health, dental, vision, 401k (provided minimum eligibility hours are met)

Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

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.

Accommodation

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Magnit at [e-mail].