Senior Biomarker Assay Development Leader

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 153,000 - 283,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Cambridge, MA seeks a Sr Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Biomarker Assay Development Laboratory to lead a high-performing team and develop innovative biomarker assays that shape decisions across discovery and clinical development.

You will design fit-for-purpose assay strategies, drive operations, mentor scientists, and collaborate with Translational Medicine, Data Science, and external partners to deliver high-quality translational data.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD in life sciences or equivalent.
• Extensive experience developing biomarker assays in pharma/biotech.
• Strong leadership and collaboration across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and qualification of biomarker assays supporting discovery, translational research, and clinical development.
• Design fit-for-purpose assay strategies enabling target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification decisions.
• Drive laboratory operations, resource planning, and prioritization to support portfolio objectives.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of biomarker scientists.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Translational Medicine, Data Science, and cross-functional project teams on biomarker strategies.
• Establish and manage external collaborations to access emerging technologies and capabilities.
• Oversee outsourced assay activities and ensure delivery of high-quality translational data.
• Provide scientific leadership that informs translational plans and clinical development strategies.
• Represent the laboratory in cross-functional forums and contribute to strategic program decisions.

Skills

Biomarker assay development

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

PCR

NGS

Immunoassays

Mass spectrometry

External collaborations

Education

PhD/MD or equivalent

Tools

PCR

NGS

Immunoassays

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Novartis in Cambridge, MA seeks a Sr Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Biomarker Assay Development Laboratory to lead a high-performing team and develop innovative biomarker assays that shape decisions across discovery and clinical development.

You will design fit-for-purpose assay strategies, drive operations, mentor scientists, and collaborate with Translational Medicine, Data Science, and external partners to deliver high-quality translational data.