Principal Scientist, Biophysicist

Novartis Group Companies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 222,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Group Companies in La Jolla, CA is seeking a Principal Scientist I/II to lead biophysical assay development and HTS. You will design, validate, execute assays (SPR, BLI), manage automation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Requirements include a Ph.D. with 2+ years in drug discovery, strong analytical and communication skills, ability to manage multiple projects, and stay at the forefront of technology. This is an on-site role with competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with 2+ years in drug discovery.
• Deep expertise in designing, validating, executing and troubleshooting biophysical assays.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and adapt to evolving research priorities.
• Ability to innovate, keep up with the expanding field, recommend and bring in new technologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize biophysical assays (e.g., SPR, BLI) for characterization of small molecules.
• Execute routine assays for defining structure–activity relationships.
• Implement and manage automation solutions to enhance assay throughput and data quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies and workflows into ongoing research projects.
• Analyze, interpret, and present scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records, contribute to the preparation of research reports and publications, and represent the team through internal presentations.

Skills

Biophysics

Biochemistry

Bioengineering

Assay development

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. (post-doc preferred)

Tools

SPR

BLI

Automation platforms

Electronic lab management systems

Job description

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist / Biophysicist to join our dynamic team in La Jolla, CA. You will work on-site full-time and bring deep expertise in biophysical assay development and high-throughput screening. If you have a passion for advancing scientific discovery and thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and cross‑disciplinary environment, we encourage you to apply.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/Principal Scientist II

Position Location: onsite, La Jolla, CA #LI-onsite

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and optimize biophysical assays (e.g., SPR, BLI) for characterization of small molecules.
• Execute routine assays for defining structure‑activity relationships.
• Implement and manage automation solutions to enhance assay throughput and data quality.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate new technologies and workflows into ongoing research projects.
• Analyze, interpret, and present scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records, contribute to the preparation of research reports and publications, and represent the team through internal presentations.

Essential Requirements:

• Ph.D. (post‑doc preferred), in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biophysics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field), with 2+ years of industrial experience in drug discovery.
• Deep expertise in designing, validating, executing and troubleshooting biophysical assays.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and adapt to evolving research priorities.
• Ability to innovate, keep up with the expanding field, recommend and bring in new technologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in integrating novel or emerging technologies into high‑throughput screening workflows.
• Familiarity with data analysis software and electronic laboratory management systems.
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory automation platforms and liquid handling systems.

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.

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

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.

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills (Inactive), Curious Mindset, Data (Inactive), Data Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail‑Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Laboratory (Inactive), Leading Project Teams, Lifesciences (Inactive), Machine Learning (ML), Management (Inactive), Medical Research {+ 10 more}