Principal Scientist – Analytics Team Lead

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous time off

Job summary

The Biologics Research Center at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. seeks a leader in Physical Chemistry Analytics (PCA) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to guide a versatile biologics portfolio.

You will head a team of up to five, shaping analytics strategy, ensuring quality deliverables, and enabling candidate selection across antibodies, gene therapies, and related modalities. The role requires a PhD with relevant pharma experience and proven people management.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or related field with 3+ years in pharma.
• 2+ years of people management experience in a biological/biotech setting.
• Proven track record in analysis of recombinant proteins using MS and MS-based methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytics (PCA and MS) strategy for Cambridge, in a global matrix.
• Serve as senior analytics expert to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Drive process improvements and adopt new tech in analytics.
• Manage team resources, timelines, and objectives.
• Provide mentorship and foster collaboration and integrity within the group.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Chromatography

Capillary electrophoresis

Light scattering

Data analysis

Team leadership

Education

PhD in biochemistry/biotechnology/chemistry or related field

Tools

Orbitraps

QTOFs

SEC-MS

CE-MS

Dynamic light scattering

Job description

Job Description Summary The Biologics Research Center (BRC) at Novartis BioMedical Research is looking for a motivated and highly experienced leader in field of Physical Chemistry Analytics (PCA) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to join BRC’s Analytics, Bioanalytics and Formulation unit and help us develop a diverse portfolio of biotherapeutic modalities.

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite

The Biologics Research Center (BRC) at Novartis BioMedical Research is looking for a motivated and highly experienced leader in field of Physical Chemistry Analytics (PCA) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to join BRC’s Analytics, Bioanalytics and Formulation unit and help us develop a diverse portfolio of biotherapeutic modalities.

As a Team Lead for the analytics team, you will demonstrate a broad and in-depth knowledge of technologies in PCA and MS to evaluate the developability of various biologics modalities covered by BRC ranging from traditional antibodies to gene therapy viral vector, ensuring quality of material delivered and eventually enabling candidate selection. You will lead a team of up to 5 associates where you will be responsible for a continuously strong culture of team spirit and integrity, as well as providing development opportunities for associates on different levels.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive the analytics (PCA and MS) strategy in Cambridge, working globally in a matrix organization to support a diverse biologics pipeline (e.g. antibodies, fusion proteins, ADCs, bi- and trispecifics, AAVs, Lentiviruses) transitioning into clinical development
• Act as senior analytics expert in project teams ensuring optimal project support and high quality for all deliverables of your group
• Foster streamlined processes and optimal use of capacities as well as continued innovation, incorporating latest technologies and knowledge
• Effectively manage resources, project activities, timelines, maintain a strong customer focus and set respective objectives for your team
• Provide leadership and clear guidance to the team, optimally leveraging the expertise and experience of individuals
• Drive a culture of collaboration, integrity, and team development, and ensure a safe, empowering, and inspiring working environment

Essential Requirements:

• PhD degree or equivalent in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or a related field with 3+ years of related experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with 2+ years of experience as a people manager
• Strong scientific background in analysis of recombinant proteins (mAb, bi/tri-specific mAbs, therapeutic proteins) by techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and light scattering technologies
• Implementation and supervision of cutting-edge characterization of PCA techniques for analyzing novel biologics modalities, e.g. multispecific Abs, AAV, ADCs, oligonucleotides, CAR‑T’s. This entails the evaluation of novel instrumentation and the development of new applications to existing technologies such as dynamic light scattering, chromatography (SEC, HIC, IEX, RPC), MALS, capillary electrophoresis (cIEF, CZE, CE‑SDS), and other advanced technologies
• Experience with modern LC-MS techniques (Intact/reduced/subunit RPMS, peptide mapping, released glycans), managing instrumentation (orbitraps, QTOFs) and modern hyphenated MS techniques (SEC-MS, CE-MS).
• Experience interpreting CDMS results for AAV analysis is beneficial, direct instrument experience not required
• Experience with data analysis workflows and report generation
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop people
• Distinguished team spirit and scientific drive
• High flexibility combined with excellent organizational and communication skills

Compensation & Benefits:

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.

Salary Range $108,500.00 - $201,500.00

Skills Desired

• Analytical Thinking
• Chemical Biology
• Chemistry
• Clinical Trials
• Collaboration
• Curious Mindset
• Data Analysis
• Detail‑Oriented
• Drug Development
• Ethics
• Gene Therapy
• Immunology
• Inventory Management
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Medical Research
• Molecular Biology
• Python (Programming Language)
• Science

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.

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