Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering

Novartis; East Hanover (NJ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, 401k

Job summary

Novartis in East Hanover, NJ is seeking a contractor scientist to advance a molecular biology and cell-engineering program, focusing on genomic PCR and engineered T-cell platforms for gene therapy applications.

The role requires hands-on molecular biology and cell culture experience, with responsibilities spanning clone screening, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong documentation and scientific communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant science with hands-on experience.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on molecular biology experience.
• Mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique demonstrated.
• Experience with genomic PCR, cloning, and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Culture, expand, and maintain primary T cells and mammalian lines.
• Execute activation, transduction, expansion, and cryopreservation workflows.
• Perform viral transduction and gene editing in engineered cells.
• Design PCR-based assays and analyze genomic data for clone confirmation.
• Collaborate across Cell & Gene Therapy, Analytical Development, and Process Development.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Genomic PCR

Cell engineering

Data analysis

Documentation

Education

Master's degree in Molecular Biology / related field

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

CRISPR/Cas gene editing

Viral transduction

Job description

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

:::This role is offered through [MSP/supplier/third party provider], who, if selected, will be your employer. If your services are retained, you will be assigned to provide services to Novartis as the end client. This is not an offer of employment with Novartis. If you are selected for this Temporary/External opportunity, you will not be an employee of Novartis and will not be eligible for any Novartis employee benefits or incentives. ::

Novartis touches the lives of a tenth of the world’s population. Every role here, regardless of contract type, makes an impact on human life!

Novartis US partners with external managed service provider Magnit Global to offer engaging temporary contractor opportunities like this, to those who are looking for flexibility in their career while looking to gain new skills and experiences providing services to an inclusive global medicines company.

Ready to work with/through Magnit at Novartis? Please read on...

Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering

We are seeking a highly motivated contractor scientist to support an innovative cell-engineering effort focused on developing renewable, genetically defined T-cell platforms materials for Cell & Gene Therapy and immuno-oncology applications. The successful candidate will have a strong molecular biology foundation, with particular emphasis on genomic PCR, molecular characterization of engineered cells, and hands‑on cell-engineering workflows. The role will also include clone screening, mammalian cell culture, data analysis, documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

Cell Culture & T-Cell Biology

• Culture, expand, and maintain primary T cells and immortalized mammalian cell lines using aseptic techniques.
• Execute activation, transduction, expansion, cryopreservation, thawing, and recovery workflows.
• Evaluate cell growth, viability, phenotype, stability, and functional performance.

Cell Engineering & Gene Modification

• Execute cell-engineering workflows, including viral transduction, gene editing, and generation of engineered T-cell populations.
• Support targeted-integration and genome-engineering studies using CRISPR-based or related technologies.
• Perform clone screening, expansion, selection, banking, and characterization of engineered cell lines.
• Integrate molecular and cellular data to identify technically justified next steps for engineered-cell development.

Molecular Biology & Genomic Characterization

• Design, optimize, and execute genomic PCR assays to support confirmation and characterization of engineered cell populations and clones.
• Perform genomic DNA isolation, DNA quantification, primer design, PCR optimization, and analysis of amplification results.
• Support molecular characterization activities related to targeted integration, edit confirmation, transgene or cassette detection, and clone screening.
• Apply appropriate PCR controls, acceptance criteria, and troubleshooting approaches to ensure reliable and interpretable results.
• Document molecular biology workflows, raw data, analyses, and conclusions in accordance with laboratory procedures and data-integrity expectations.

Supporting Cell-Based Characterization

• Support fit-for-purpose cell-based characterization studies for engineered-cell populations and clones.
• Analyze and interpret cell-based characterization data in support of clone selection and engineered-cell development.
• Contribute to additional characterization assays as needed, with appropriate training and support available for methods outside the candidate’s primary expertise.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Maintain complete and accurate records in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Prepare protocols, technical reports, study summaries, and scientific presentations.
• Communicate results to cross-functional project teams and contribute to project milestones and scientific decisions.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Cell & Gene Therapy, Analytical Development , Bioanalytics, Process Development, and Research.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum Education & Experience

Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Cell & Gene Therapy, or a related discipline, with relevant hands‑on experience; or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.

Minimum 2 Years Of Work Experience.

Demonstrated hands‑on laboratory experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell systems.

Required Technical Capabilities

• Mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Molecular biology techniques, including genomic DNA isolation, quantification, primer design, PCR assay optimization, and data interpretation.
• Hands‑on cell‑engineering experience, such as viral transduction, gene editing, or another relevant gene‑modification workflow.
• Hands‑on genomic PCR experience for screening or characterization of genetically engineered cells or cell clones.
• Experimental troubleshooting, scientific data analysis, documentation, and presentation.

The primary hiring focus is molecular biology, hands‑on genomic PCR, and cell engineering. The following capabilities are advantageous but are not expected to be equally strong in every candidate.

Preferred Capabilities (Can Be Developed In The Role)

• Experience with targeted integration, CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, or advanced molecular characterization of edited cells.
• Exposure to flow cytometry or other cell-based characterization methods is helpful but not required.
• Experience with functional cell-based assays or cytokine assays is helpful but not required.

Key Competencies

• Strong scientific problem-solving and experimental troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to plan and execute laboratory studies independently while collaborating effectively.
• High attention to detail, data integrity, and laboratory safety.
• Clear written and verbal scientific communication.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple experimental priorities.
• Hands‑on, collaborative, and results-oriented mindset.

Location: East Hanover, NJ (100% on-site)

Pay Rate: $35/hr - $43/hr :: W-2 Only (based on Education/Experience)

Contract: 12-month

Health, dental, vision, 401k (provided minimum eligibility hours are met)

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, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

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.

Accommodation:

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Magnit at [e-mail].