Principal Scientist II, Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead

Novartis Group Companies; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Total rewards program

13–14 weeks parental leave

Job summary

Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead to drive preclinical and translational biomarker strategies from target validation to early clinical planning. This role partners with Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, and Biomarker Development to ensure biomarker plans align with program milestones.

The candidate will act as the single biomarker strategy contact, defining hypotheses, plans, and decision criteria, and will manage external collaborations and

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, immunology, translational medicine, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of translational research, biomarker strategy, biomarker discovery, or drug development in pharma/biotech.
• Experience developing biomarker strategies supporting drug discovery and development programs.
• Strong understanding of biomarker applications including target engagement, pharmacodynamics, patient stratification, disease activity, and mechanism-based biomarkers.
• Experience leading cross-functional matrix teams and influencing scientific strategy without direct authority.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of stage-appropriate preclinical and translational biomarker strategies for DAx programs from target validation through early clinical development readiness.
• Serve as the biomarker representative and single point of contact on assigned DAx project teams.
• Define biomarker hypotheses, context of use, evidence requirements, and decision criteria aligned with program milestones.
• Develop integrated biomarker plans encompassing assays, models, samples, analyses, timelines, and external partnerships.
• Partner across Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, Preclinical Safety, Quantitative Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Biomarker Development to align biomarker activities and execution.
• Generate translational evidence linking target biology, pharmacology, and biomarkers to support key portfolio decisions.
• Drive external collaborations and leverage innovative technologies, datasets, and human sample resources to strengthen biomarker strategies and research-to-development transition.

Skills

Biomarker strategy

Translational research

Biology

Pharmacology

Immunology

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Python

Chemistry

Science

Education

PhD/MD/PharmD or equivalent

Tools

None

Job description

Job Description Summary

Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically accomplished Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead to serve as the biomarker representative and strategic advisor on DAx project teams. This role will lead the development and execution of preclinical and translational biomarker strategies from target validation through development candidate nomination and early clinical planning. The Biomarker Strategy Lead will partner closely with Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science and Biomarker Development to ensure biomarker plans are aligned with key program decisions and support target engagement, pharmacodynamic assessment, patient stratification, and translational decision-making. The successful candidate will act as the single point of contact for biomarker strategy within assigned DAx programs, integrating scientific, technical, operational, and external capabilities to deliver execution-ready biomarker plans that enable efficient progression of the portfolio.

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• Lead development of stage-appropriate preclinical and translational biomarker strategies for DAx programs from target validation through early clinical development readiness.
• Serve as the biomarker representative and single point of contact on assigned DAx project teams.
• Define biomarker hypotheses, context of use, evidence requirements, and decision criteria aligned with program milestones.
• Develop integrated biomarker plans encompassing assays, models, samples, analyses, timelines, and external partnerships.
• Partner across Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, Preclinical Safety, Quantitative Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Biomarker Development to align biomarker activities and execution.
• Generate translational evidence linking target biology, pharmacology, and biomarkers to support key portfolio decisions.
• Drive external collaborations and leverage innovative technologies, datasets, and human sample resources to strengthen biomarker strategies and research-to-development transition.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, immunology, translational medicine, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in translational research, biomarker strategy, biomarker discovery, or drug development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated experience developing biomarker strategies supporting drug discovery and development programs.
• Strong understanding of biomarker applications including target engagement, pharmacodynamics, patient stratification, disease activity, and mechanism-based biomarkers.
• Experience leading cross-functional matrix teams and influencing scientific strategy without direct authority.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Rewards

At Novartis,we'recommitted to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives.We also offer a variety of competitive benefits inkindto help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeingresourcesand global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, anda minimum of14 weekspaid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

• USA: 114,100.00 - 211,900.00 USD Annual

The salary offered isdeterminedbased on gender-neutralobjectives, such as relevant skills,competenciesand experiencein accordance withthe Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse,equitableand inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Readourbrochureto learn more about our global total rewards offering:https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

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Why Novartis:

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating,supportingand inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Read our handbook to learn about all the wayswe'llhelp you thrive personally and professionally:https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

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

$114,100.00 - $211,900.00

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

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the applicationprocess.