Principal Scientist I - Molecular Histology Scientist
Novartis AG
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Job summary
Novartis AG in Cambridge, MA seeks a Principal Scientist I to lead molecular histology assay development. You will develop and optimize tissue-based assays (IHC, ISH, RNAscope), evaluate antibodies and probes, and operate automated stainers (Ventana ULTRA, Leica BOND) within a collaborative safety pharmacology team.
The role requires 8+ years of hands-on experience in molecular localization, digital pathology, and image analysis, with strong communication and independent work skills in a
Qualifications
- 8+ years directly relevant laboratory experience.
- Expertise with molecular localization techniques including IHC, multiplex IHC/IF, ISH, RNAscope.
- Development, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting of tissue-based assays.
- Experience with automated staining platforms Ventana ULTRA and Leica BOND.
- Knowledge of histology workflows, tissue processing, fixation, and sample prep.
- Experience with whole-slide imaging, digital pathology, and image analysis.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Ability to work independently within multidisciplinary teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize tissue-based assays (IHC, multiplex IF, ISH).
- Evaluate antibodies, probes, controls, and strategies to generate robust data.
- Operate and optimize Ventana ULTRA and Leica BOND platforms; develop workflows.
- Troubleshoot challenges and establish QC best practices.
- Implement digital pathology workflows and data management tools.
- Prepare study summaries and technical reports for project teams.
- Maintain accurate, traceable experimental records and adhere to safety standards.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
#LI-Onsite
Internal Title: Principal Scientist I
Location: Cambridge, MA
We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically driven Principal Scientist I to join the Molecular Histology Laboratory within Preclinical Safety and Investigative Pathology. This position will serve as a technical subject matter expert responsible for developing, optimizing, and implementing advanced tissue-based assays that support preclinical toxicology, investigative pathology, translational research, and drug development programs.
The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in molecular localization technologies, digital pathology, and tissue-based biomarker assessment. This individual will provide hands‑on laboratory leadership in assay development and execution while collaborating closely with pathologists, laboratory scientists, and multidisciplinary project teams.
This role requires extensive experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex IHC, in situ hybridization (ISH/RNAscope), automated staining platforms, digital pathology workflows, and image analysis technologies.
- Develop, optimize, validate, and implement tissue-based assays, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization (ISH/RNAscope).
- Serve as a molecular histology subject matter expert by evaluating antibodies, probes, controls, and assay strategies to generate robust, reproducible, and scientifically meaningful data.
- Operate, maintain, and optimize automated staining platforms, including Ventana ULTRA and Leica BOND systems, while developing automated workflows for IHC and ISH assays.
- Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and establish best practices for assay performance and quality control.
- Establish standardized protocols, acceptance criteria, troubleshooting guides, and assay performance metrics.
- Utilize digital pathology workflows, including whole-slide imaging, image analysis, and data management using LIMS and electronic laboratory notebook (eLN) platforms.
- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous, and traceable experimental records in approved electronic systems.
- Partner with pathologists and multidisciplinary project teams to support objectives with clear communication. Prepare clear study summaries, technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for project teams.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and implementation of emerging technologies that enhance laboratory capabilities and scientific impact.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, documentation, and data integrity standards while maintaining sample traceability and study records.
Bachelors or Master’s Degree required in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or related scientific discipline with 8+ years directly relevant laboratory experience.
Extensive hands‑on experience with molecular localization techniques including:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Multiplex IHC/Immunofluorescence
- In Situ Hybridization (ISH)
- RNAscope and related RNA detection technologies
Proven expertise in development, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting of tissue-based assays.
Strong experience with automated staining platforms including Ventana ULTRA and/or Leica BOND systems.
Working knowledge of histology workflows, tissue processing, fixation methods, and sample preparation techniques.
Experience with whole-slide imaging systems, digital pathology platforms, and image analysis tools.
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data quality and scientific rigor.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience supporting drug discovery, translational medicine, investigative pathology, or preclinical safety programs.
- Experience working with rodent, non-human primate, and human tissues.
- Experience with multiplex spatial biology technologies, spatial transcriptomics, or advanced tissue imaging approaches.
- Experience with digital pathology image analysis software and quantitative image analysis workflows.
- Demonstrated record of scientific publications, presentations, or technical contributions.
The salary for this position is expected to range between: $114,100-$211,900/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.
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.
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 us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
$114,100.00 - $211,900.00
- Analytical Thinking
- Bioinformatics
- Clinical Data Management
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Data Analysis
- Detail-Oriented
- Ethics
- Laboratory Research
- Life Science
- Management Techniques
- Medical Research
- Organizing
- Problem Solving
- Regulatory Compliance
- Report Writing
- Team Management
- Technical Knowledge
- Time Management
- Toxicology
- Training and Development
- Waterfall Model
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