Principal Scientist I, Frontiers Target Champion

Novartis AG; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis AG in Cambridge, MA, onsite, is seeking a Principal Scientist I to drive frontier biology opportunities from concept to project initiation. You will lead hands-on lab work, interpret data, and guide projects with ambiguity, while working closely with junior researchers in a matrixed setting.

The role requires a PhD with 2+ years of postdoc/industry experience, strong communication, and experience with AI-enabled workflows.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with postdoctoral or industry experience is required.
• Ability to conceive and execute experiments and interpret complex data.
• Understanding of early drug discovery and target validation.

Responsibilities

• Advance opportunities from biology concept to project initiation.
• Provide experimental leadership and interpret internal/external data.
• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments.
• Align collaborators around questions, priorities, and decision criteria.
• Mentor junior colleagues and guide investigations with independence.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Chemistry

Data Analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Curious Mindset

Drug Discovery Process

Machine Learning

Life Science

Immunology

Molecular Biology

Education

PhD + 2+ years postdoc/industry

Job description

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly curious, hands-on scientist to help build the next generation of opportunities for Frontier Programs within the exploratory Disease Area (DAx) in Biomedical Research. In this lab-based individual contributor role, you will shape and advance emerging opportunities across new biology and indications, moving them from early hypotheses through project initiation. Success requires initiative, comfort with ambiguity, and sound judgment to generate and interpret decision-enabling data. This role has no direct people management responsibilities but will work closely with and provide scientific guidance to junior colleagues in a matrixed setting to advance project goals.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I
Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite

We are seeking a highly curious, hands-on scientist to help build the next generation of opportunities for Frontier Programs within the exploratory Disease Area (DAx) in Biomedical Research. In this lab-based individual contributor role, you will shape and advance emerging opportunities across new biology and indications, moving them from early hypotheses through project initiation. Success requires initiative, comfort with ambiguity, and sound judgment to generate and interpret decision-enabling data. This role has no direct people management responsibilities but will work closely with and provide scientific guidance to junior colleagues in a matrixed setting to advance project goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance opportunities from biological concept through project initiation, supporting early projects through focused experimental plans and hands-on laboratory work.
• Provide biological interpretation and experimental leadership for selected advancing projects, integrating internal and external data to inform strategy and decisions.
• Design, execute, troubleshoot, analyze, and interpret experiments; identify critical questions and adapt plans as evidence evolves.
• Align matrixed collaborators around questions, priorities, timelines, and decision criteria.
• Help shape external collaborations and serve as scientific contact for academic and biotech partners.
• Communicate scientific rationale, uncertainty, and concise, data-grounded recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Assess emerging biology, technologies, and AI-enabled approaches, translating insights into testable hypotheses.
• Mentor collaborators and trainees, providing guidance while enabling increasing independence and ownership.

Essential Requirements

• PhD plus 2+ years’ relevant postdoctoral or industry experience, or BS/MS equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to independently conceive and execute experiments, interpret complex biological data, and proactively define next experiments and practical paths forward.
• Understanding of early drug discovery and how experimental biology, target validation, and mechanistic evidence support project progression.
• Fluency with AI-enabled workflows in research setting
• Ability to influence and build relationships in matrixed, multidisciplinary teams without formal authority.
• Strong communication and judgment with incomplete evidence.
• Ability to guide junior researchers and trainees while maintaining high standards.
• Proactive, self-directed problem solving; judgment to seek input when needed; curiosity, resilience, and willingness to challenge assumptions.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in target discovery, validation, or drug discovery across disease areas, target classes, or modalities.
• Experience using AI/ML to integrate biological, translational, or multi-omics data for target identification, hypothesis generation, or opportunity prioritization.
• Experience contributing to external collaborations with academic or biotechnology partners.
• Interest or experience in emerging disease areas, including cardiorenal, vascular, and women’s health, and a track record of learning rapidly outside an established area of expertise.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year. 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.

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.

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.

Skills Desired

• Analytical Thinking
• Analytical Thinking
• Chemical Biology
• Chemistry
• Clinical Trials
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Curious Mindset
• Data Analysis
• Data Management
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Detail-Oriented
• Drug Development
• Drug Discovery Process
• Ethics
• Gene Therapy
• Immunology
• Inventory Management
• Laboratory Research
• Leading Project Teams
• Life Science
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Management Techniques
• Medical Research
• Molecular Biology {+ 9 more}

Salary Range

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00