Principal Scientist, Early Pipeline Development

Novartis; Annandale (VA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 222,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking a Principal Scientist I/II with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to advance state-of-the-art downstream purification and developable platform processes. This onsite role in San Diego, CA leads a small team and collaborates across upstream, analytical, and development functions to drive early drug discovery and pipeline progress.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in bioprocessing or related field with 3+ years of process development experience, hands-on AKTA

Qualifications

• PhD in bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, gene therapy or related field with 3+ years of process development experience.
• Experience in people management.
• Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography.
• Hands-on AKTA purification systems experience.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced matrix environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a 3-5 person downstream process team.
• Coordinate activities with upstream process and analytical teams.
• Develop strategies with Disease Areas and support early drug discovery.
• Transfer manufacturing process knowledge to TRD and advance programs.
• Develop innovative and cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
• Manage multiple project workflows to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare written reports per electronic lab notebook.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Downstream purification

AKTA systems

People management

Bioprocessing

GMP/biotech

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in bioprocessing/biochemical engineering

Tools

AKTA purification systems

Job description

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist I with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to develop state-of-the art downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV gene therapy. This role is also responsible for executing early-stage process development with the focus on developability of AAV gene therapy lead candidates as well as new platform process development for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II

Position Location: Onsite, San Diego, CA

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a 3-5 person downstream process team and provide technical support, training, and SME knowledge to assist with the professional development of direct reports.
• Coordinate activities with associates across upstream process and analytical teams.
• Develop strategies in collaboration with Disease Areas and partner with various line functions to support early drug discovery from target selection and validation through lead compound selection and developability assessment.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to transfer manufacturing process knowledge to Technical Research & Development team and advance pipeline programs into clinical phases.
• Lead effort and work collaboratively with Technical Research & Development to develop innovative and cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
• Manage multiple project workflow to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare written reports conforming to defined documentation practices including electronic lab notebook.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements

• PhD in bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, gene therapy or a related field with 3+ years of relevant process development experience in biotechnology/ pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience in people management
• Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography with hands on experience with AKTA purification systems.
• Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts
• Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and matrix environment.

Desired Requirements

• Experiences in AAV gene therapy
• Experience with viral gene therapy

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 andexperience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the publishedsalary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of therole, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life anddisability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Inaddition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,holidays and other leaves.

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.

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