Research Scientist, in vivo Pharmacology-Oncology

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); Presencial; USD 58.000 - 107.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Hybrid working options

Parental leave

Descripción de la vacante

Novartis Cambridge is seeking a scientist with hands-on in vivo pharmacology to design and lead preclinical oncology studies. You will test drug exposure, target engagement, PD responses and anti-tumor efficacy, integrating in vivo and ex vivo data to guide multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires strong mouse handling skills, proficiency in protein-based assays (MSD/ELISA/Western blot) and independent study design.

Formación

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in pharmacology, biology, cancer biology, molecular biology or a related scientific subject.
• Relevant industry or academic research experience demonstrating scientific independence.
• Strong hands-on experience with mouse studies, including dosing, tumour implantation, animal monitoring and sample collection.
• Hands-on experience with protein-based assays such as MSD, ELISA and Western blot.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, analyze and troubleshoot in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong scientific judgement and ability to translate questions into testable hypotheses.

Responsabilidades

• Independently design, plan and execute preclinical in vivo oncology studies to test hypotheses.
• Perform animal procedures such as dosing, tumor implantation, monitoring and sample collection.
• Establish tumor models for efficacy and PK/PD studies.
• Define study objectives and experimental strategies including dose, schedules and controls.
• Develop and troubleshoot protein-based pharmacodynamic assays (MSD, ELISA, Western blot).
• Design and interpret RNA-based gene-expression analyses alongside protein measurements.
• Oversee tumor and tissue processing and ensure reliable workflows.
• Integrate efficacy, exposure and PD datasets to evaluate relationships.
• Document experiments in the electronic lab notebook; report findings to teams.

Conocimientos

In vivo pharmacology

Mouse studies

Protein assays

Data interpretation

Scientific independence

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Educación

Bachelor's or Master's in pharmacology or biology

Herramientas

MSD assays

ELISA

Western blot

Descripción del empleo

Job Description Summary

Are you a scientist who combines strong hands-on in vivo pharmacology expertise with independent scientific thinking? In this role, you will design and lead preclinical oncology studies to investigate drug exposure, target engagement, pharmacodynamic responses and anti-tumor efficacy. You will integrate in vivo and ex vivo data to address key scientific questions and provide actionable recommendations to multidisciplinary drug discovery teams.

Location: Cambridge, USA #LI-Onsite

This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Independently design, plan and execute preclinical in vivo oncology studies to test scientific hypotheses, evaluate candidate medicines and inform project decisions.
• Perform animal procedures such as dosing, tumor implantation, monitoring and sample collection, following procedures and welfare requirements.
• Establish, characterize and critically select relevant tumor models for efficacy and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies.
• Define study objectives and experimental strategies, including dose selection, treatment schedules, controls and pharmacodynamic sampling plans.
• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot protein-based pharmacodynamic assays, including MSD, ELISA and Western blot, to assess target engagement and pathway modulation.
• Design and interpret RNA-based gene-expression analyses alongside protein measurements to investigate pharmacodynamic and biomarker responses.
• Oversee robust tumor and normal tissue processing and optimize sample preparation and assay workflows to ensure reliable downstream analyses.
• Critically integrate efficacy, drug exposure and pharmacodynamic datasets to evaluate exposure-response relationships, identify limitations and recommend next experiments.
• Record experiments accurately and promptly in the electronic laboratory notebook.
• Communicate scientific conclusions, study limitations and data-driven recommendations to cross-functional project teams through presentations and study reports.

Essential for the role

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in pharmacology, biology, cancer biology, molecular biology or a related scientific subject.
• Relevant industry or academic research experience demonstrating scientific independence and expertise appropriate for a Scientist role.
• Strong hands-on experience with mouse studies, including dosing, tumour implantation, animal monitoring and sample collection.
• Hands-on experience with protein-based assays such as Meso Scale Discovery assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or Western blot.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, analyze and troubleshoot in vivo pharmacology studies, beyond following established study plans.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong scientific judgement, with the ability to translate biological questions into testable hypotheses and fit-for-purpose experimental designs.
• Ability to interpret complex datasets, communicate clear scientific conclusions and collaborate effectively with Biology, DMPK/PK and other disciplines.

Desirable for the role

• Experience with oncology models (xenograft, patient‑derived xenograft or syngeneic), integrated in vivo efficacy and PK/PD studies, and RNA‑based pharmacodynamic analyses.
• Strong understanding of PK/PD principles and exposure‑target engagement‑efficacy relationships; proficiency with GraphPad Prism or equivalent quantitative analysis tools.

Benefits & Rewards

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

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: $57,750 to $107,250

The base salary offered is determined based on gender‑neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the 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.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

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

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

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal req