Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life & disability benefits

401(k) with company match

Generous time off package

Job summary

Novartis seeks a Principal Scientist I/II in Cambridge, MA to lead biomarker assay design, development and qualification for DAx programs. You will work hands-on on ELISA, MSD and related assays, driving analytical rigor and robust performance across preclinical and clinical studies.

The role requires deep technical leadership, strong communication, and collaboration with Translational Medicine and DAx teams.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD with 4+ years in relevant field, or BS/MS with 8+ years.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing LBA assays.
• Biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, or genomics in pharma/biotech.
• Expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation for preclinical/clinical studies.
• Independent development of biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and qualify biomarker assays to support DAx programs.
• Develop and implement ligand binding assays (ELISA, MSD) with analytical rigor.
• Perform hands-on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Analyze data with scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with Translational Medicine and project teams to align strategies.
• Support biomarker assay implementation in studies with documentation.
• Maintain lab practices and compliance with safety/regulatory guidelines.
• Present findings in lab meetings and contribute to reports.

Skills

Biomarker assays

LBA assay design

Data analysis

Oral & written communication

Preclinical/clinical biomarker work

Education

PhD or MD

BS/MS + 8+ years experience

Tools

ELISA

MSD/ electrochemiluminescence

LC-MS

Job description

Summary

Internal Position Title: Principal Scientist I/II

Location: Cambridge, MA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

About The Role

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop, and qualify preclinical and clinical biomarker assays (cellular, soluble, proteomic, genetic, and genomic) to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification for DAx programs.
• The ideal candidate will bring deep technical and strategic expertise in designing, developing, optimizing, and clinically implementing ligand binding assays (e.g. ELISA, MSD, immunoassays). Ensuring analytical rigor, robustness, and "fit-for purpose" performance expectations and technical assessment standards.
• Execute laboratory-based research, including hands-on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, and DAx project teams to align assay strategies with DAx therapeutic area priorities.
• Support the implementation of biomarker assays in preclinical and clinical studies, including documentation and reporting of results.
• Maintain exemplary laboratory practices, including accurate record keeping and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Present research findings in lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications and internal reports.

Essential Requirements

• PhD or MD, Postdoctoral Fellowship preferred, with 4+ years’ experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field, or BS/MS with 8+ years’ experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field.
• Hands-on experience with designing and executing LBA assays
• Demonstrated experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics, or related fields within pharma or biotech.
• Demonstrated expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation for preclinical and/or clinical studies across various animal and human matrices.
• Proven skill in independently developing and executing biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery.
• Innovative and critical thinking, with a track record of scientific impact and continuous improvement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability in laboratory research.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches, especially as applied to renal, liver, fibrosis, or exploratory disease areas.
• Familiarity with animal models and ex vivo assays is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with RNA assays and/or LC-MS based biomarker or assay quantification an added plus.
• Knowledge of statistics and computational data analysis is desirable.
• Experience working with CROs or external vendors to support assay development, biomarker studies or analytical deliverables.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and $126,000 and $234,000 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.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people

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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards

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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 & 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 [email protected] 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.