Research Scientist I/II: Pharmacology

Novartis AG; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentive

Annual equity awards

401(k) with company match

Generous time off

Job summary

Novartis AG in Cambridge, MA is seeking a lab-based in vivo scientist to join the Oncology Pharmacology team. The role focuses on executing in vivo anti-tumor efficacy and PK/PD studies in CDX, PDX, and syngeneic models to support early drug discovery.

The ideal candidate will conduct hands-on animal work, data analysis, and collaborate across multidisciplinary project teams while adhering to animal protocols and documentation standards.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in biological sciences with relevant industry experience (2+ years for Scientist I, 4+ for Scientist II).
• Experience with CDX/PDX and/or syngeneic tumor models.
• Proficiency in cell culture, molecular assays, and flow cytometry.

Responsibilities

• Execute pre-clinical in‑vivo studies to test hypotheses and screen compounds.
• Develop in‑vivo CDX, PDX, and syngeneic models to assess anti‑tumor activity and PK/PD.
• Work independently and with pharmacology to execute studies and present results.

Skills

Scientific research

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

BS/MS in Biological Sciences

Tools

CDX/PDX models

Flow cytometry

PCR/ELISA

Mammalian cell culture

Animal handling (IV/IP/PO)

Job description

Job Description Summary

Over 40 therapies in the clinic! NIBR Oncology strives to reimagine medicines for cancer patients through a combination of treatment approaches including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, CAR‑T, and radioligand therapy. NIBR is seeking a lab‑based in vivo scientist to join our Oncology Pharmacology team in Cambridge, MA. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multi‑disciplinary team and play a key role in the development and application of in‑vivo models for evaluating novel cancer therapies and advancing the early‑stage drug discovery pipeline. The primary responsibility of this position will be to execute in‑vivo anti‑tumor efficacy and PK/PD studies aimed at evaluating novel drug candidates in CDX, PDX, and syngeneic models. Applicants are expected to spend the majority of their time in the lab. Qualified candidates will be proficient in animal handling techniques and compound administration, while possessing a variety of molecular biology and flow cytometric skills. We are looking for highly motivated, inquisitive, and creative individuals, who thrive in a highly‑matrixed work environment, and can effectively communicate within multidisciplinary project teams.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Hands‑on execution of pre‑clinical in‑vivo studies to explore novel hypotheses, screen candidate molecules, and establish proof‑of‑concept
• Develop in‑vivo CDX, PDX, and syngeneic models to evaluate anti‑tumor activity, PK/PD relationships, and relevant biomarkers of novel compounds to support clinical development
• Work independently and in collaboration with other colleagues in pharmacology to execute studies
• Critically analysis and present results within a multidisciplinary team environment
• Careful adherence to animal protocols and proper documentation of data and methods in electronic laboratory notebook

Qualifications

• Research Scientist I position: BS/MS in biological sciences with 2+ years of relevant research experience in pharmaceutical/biotech industry
• Research Scientist II position: BS/MS in biological sciences with 4+ years of relevant research experience in pharmaceutical/biotech industry
• Extensive experience working with CDX and PDX xenograft tumor models and/or syngeneic models
• Experience with cell culture
• Hands‑on mouse/rat handling skills, including dosing (IV, IP, PO), tumor implantation, caliper tumor measurements, xenogen imaging, and blood/tissue collection techniques
• Experience with PCR, ELISA, western blot, and flow cytometry
• Strong analytical, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills, including a proficiency with PowerPoint and commonly used data analysis programs, such as Excel and Prism

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between:

• Research Scientist I: $66,800 - $124,000 per year.
• Research Scientist II: $81,200 - $150,800 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, 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.

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

$81,200.00 - $150,800.00

Skills Desired

• Algorithms
• Algorithms
• Analytical Skill (Inactive)
• Analytical Thinking
• Chemical Biology
• Clinical Research
• Clinical Trials
• Collaboration
• Communication Skills (Inactive)
• Curious Mindset
• Data (Inactive)
• Data Analysis
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Detail‑Oriented
• Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)
• Drug Discovery Process
• Ethics
• Hypothesis Testing
• Immunology
• Laboratory (Inactive)
• Leading Project Teams
• Lifesciences (Inactive)
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Medical Research
• Molecular Biology {+ 6more}