Downstream Process Scientist – AAV/LVV Gene Therapy

Novartis AG; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 94,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life & disability benefits

401(k) with company match

Generous time off package

Job summary

Novartis AG in Durham, NC is seeking an experienced Downstream Process Development Lead for viral vector programs (AAV/LVV). You will design and execute downstream development studies, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver data-driven recommendations to support INDs.

The role requires strong hands-on experience with chromatography, filtration, and DoE, plus collaborative skills to drive program milestones in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or a related field with 4 years of relevant experience; Master's with 2 years; or PhD with 0–2 years.
• Hands-on downstream process development for biologics, viral vectors, or gene therapy modalities.
• Experience with downstream unit operations such as chromatography, depth filtration, tangential flow filtration, ultracentrifugation, impurity clearance, and adventitious virus clearance.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and DoE.
• Ability to lead technical activities and deliver scientific objectives within timelines.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
• Innovative mindset and continuous improvement drive.

Responsibilities

• Serve as downstream functional lead for early- and mid-phase programs.
• Design, execute, and interpret downstream studies for AAV and LVV modalities.
• Perform hands-on downstream operations at small and large scale.
• Analyze study results with a data-driven mindset for strategy informs.
• Present results and recommendations to internal/external stakeholders.
• Coordinate laboratory activities and resource needs for studies.

Skills

Downstream process development

Design of Experiments (DoE)

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences/pharmaceutical sciences/chemical engineering

Master's degree (related field)

PhD (related field)

Job description

Novartis AG in Durham, NC is seeking an experienced Downstream Process Development Lead for viral vector programs (AAV/LVV). You will design and execute downstream development studies, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver data-driven recommendations to support INDs.

The role requires strong hands-on experience with chromatography, filtration, and DoE, plus collaborative skills to drive program milestones in a fast-paced biotech environment.