Principal Scientist, Early Pipeline Development

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in San Diego seeks a Principal Scientist I/II with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to advance downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV vectors.

The role includes leading a 3-5 person team, cross-functional collaboration across upstream/analytical groups, developability assessment, and technology transfer to R&D, with a strong emphasis on scalable bioprocess development and on-site execution.

Qualifications

• PhD required with 3+ years of relevant process development experience in biotechnology/pharmaceutical setting.
• Leadership experience managing a small team is required.
• Experience with downstream purification and chromatography is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 3-5 person downstream process team and mentor staff.
• Coordinate with upstream/analytical teams to align development
• Develop strategies with Disease Areas to support early drug discovery and developability assessments.
• Transfer manufacturing process knowledge to R&D teams and advance programs to clinic.
• Develop cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
• Manage multiple projects to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare reports with proper documentation and ELN practices.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Detail-oriented

Drug development

Gene therapy

Immunology

Inventory management

Python

Machine learning

Science

Collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in bioprocessing/biochemical engineering/gene therapy

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 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.

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