Principal Scientist, Early Pipeline Development

Novartis Group Companies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Group of Companies is seeking a Principal Scientist I/II to lead downstream purification efforts for next-generation AAV gene therapy. The role focuses on early-stage process development and developability of lead candidates, with responsibility for transferring process knowledge to TR&D and supporting clinical transitions.

The candidate will manage a small team, collaborate across upstream and analytical groups, and deliver innovative, cost-effective purification strategies with AKTA

Qualifications

• PhD in bioprocessing or related field with 3+ years of process development experience in biotech/pharma.
• Experience in people management.
• Knowledge of downstream purification including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography with hands-on AKTA experience.
• Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thinking.
• Excellent communication to convey complex concepts across teams.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to work in a matrix setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a 3–5 person downstream process team and provide technical support and SME knowledge.
• Coordinate activities with upstream and analytical teams.
• Develop strategies with Disease Areas and partner with line functions for early drug discovery.
• Transfer manufacturing knowledge to TR&D and advance programs into clinical phases.
• Develop innovative and cost-efficient downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
• Manage multiple project workflows to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare written reports adhering to documentation practices including ELN.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

People management

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

PhD in bioprocessing

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.

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.