Senior AAV Bioprocess Scientist

Novartis AG; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Biologics Research Center in San Diego seeks a Senior Scientist II with expertise in recombinant AAV manufacturing to support the Cell & Gene Therapy unit. You will assess downstream manufacturability and develop platform processes for existing and novel capsids and cargo vectors, collaborating across disease areas.

The role emphasizes purification method development, next-generation capsid evaluation, and cross-functional teamwork to advance pipeline programs toward clinical phases.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in biochemistry, chemical/biomedical engineering with 5+ years in downstream purification.
• Experience with affinity and ion-exchange chromatography on AKTA systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform purification across early-stage programs using depth filtration, ultracentrifugation, AKTA chromatography, and TFF.
• Design and execute experiments for evaluation of next-gen capsids.
• Prepare protocols, reports and maintain electronic notebooks.
• Collaborate with upstream process development and analytical teams.
• Support knowledge transfer and project translation to clinical stages.

Skills

Downstream purification

AKTA purification

Biochemical engineering

Communication skills

Fast-paced environment

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biochemistry/chemical/biomedical engineering (5+ years experience)

PhD considered (within last 2 years)

Tools

AKTA systems

Ultracentrifugation

Depth filtration

TFF (Tangential Flow Filtration)

Job description

Novartis Biologics Research Center in San Diego seeks a Senior Scientist II with expertise in recombinant AAV manufacturing to support the Cell & Gene Therapy unit. You will assess downstream manufacturability and develop platform processes for existing and novel capsids and cargo vectors, collaborating across disease areas.

The role emphasizes purification method development, next-generation capsid evaluation, and cross-functional teamwork to advance pipeline programs toward clinical phases.