Senior Principal Scientist/Principal Scientist, Immune Engagers

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in Cambridge, MA, seeks a highly collaborative scientist to lead biology and drug-discovery efforts for novel immune cell engagers and multispecific immune modulators, combining cancer-immunology expertise with cross-functional leadership to advance programs toward clinical development.

The role involves leading strategy, supervising scientists, and coordinating across antibody engineering, translational science, pharmacology, safety, and data

Qualifications

• PhD in cancer biology or immunology with 5+ years of research/industry experience, or MS with 10+ years.
• Strong expertise in cancer biology/immunology (T cell and/or myeloid biology).
• Expertise in tumor immunology, especially T cell–mediated anti-tumor activity and tumor-associated myeloid biology.
• Proficient in immune-cell functional assays and multiparameter flow cytometry.
• Experience in antibody, multispecific biologic and/or immune-engager discovery within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to formulate hypotheses, design rigorous experiments, interpret complex data and translate findings into project decisions, evidenced by publications.
• Excellent communication, presentation, analytical and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and validate tumor-targeting strategies for immune cell engagers and multispecific modulators.
• Lead biology strategy and execution for multidisciplinary drug-discovery programs, defining goals and decision criteria.
• Serve as project team leader, integrating antibody engineering and translational biology.
• Design and interpret mechanistic studies of immune activation, anti-tumor activity, and safety-relevant biology.
• Present evidence-based recommendations and development plans at governance reviews.
• Supervise and develop scientists while building collaborations.
• Contribute to immune-engager strategy and next-generation modality innovation.

Skills

Cancer biology

Immunology

T cell biology

Myeloid biology

Immune cell assays

Flow cytometry

Antibody discovery

Data interpretation

Publications

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in cancer biology or immunology

MS with 10+ years industry experience

Tools

Flow cytometry software

Job description

Job Description Summary

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA. At Novartis Oncology Immune Therapeutics we discover and advance immune therapies that harness immune cells against cancer. We are seeking a highly collaborative scientist to lead biology and drug‑discovery efforts for novel immune cell engagers and multispecific immune modulators. The successful candidate will combine cancer‑immunology expertise, rigorous decision making and cross‑functional leadership to advance programs from target validation toward clinical development and contribute to broader immune‑engager strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and validate tumor‑targeting strategies for immune cell engagers and/or multispecific immune modulators.
• Lead biology strategy and execution for multidisciplinary drug‑discovery programs, defining goals, critical experiments, decision criteria and differentiated product profiles.
• Serve as project team leader and/or biology lead, integrating antibody engineering, disease biology, translational, pharmacology, safety, biomarker, data science and clinical perspectives.
• Design and interpret mechanistic studies of immune cell activation, anti‑tumor activity, target biology, selectivity, resistance and safety‑relevant biology.
• Present evidence‑based recommendations, risks and development plans at governance reviews.
• Supervise and develop scientists while building productive internal and external collaborations.
• Contribute to immune‑engager strategy, target and indication prioritization, and next‑generation modality innovation.

Minimum requirements

• PhD in cancer biology, immunology or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant research and/or industry experience; or MS with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong expertise in cancer biology and/or immunology (especially T cell and/or myeloid cell biology).
• Expertise in tumor immunology, especially T cell mediated anti‑tumor activity, tumor‑associated myeloid cell biology and immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Proficient in immune‑cell functional assays and complex immunophenotyping analysis, including integrated in vitro and ex vivo assays as well as multiparameter flow cytometry.
• Experience in antibody, multispecific biologic and/or immune‑engager discovery within cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to formulate hypotheses, design rigorous experiments, interpret complex data and translate findings into project decisions, evidenced by a strong track record of research publications.
• Excellent communication, presentation, analytical and collaboration skills.

Highly desirable

• Strong track record in T‑cell engager or myeloid cell‑engager discovery, with leadership from target validation through IND‑enabling or early clinical activities.
• Demonstrated success as a project team leader, aligning multidisciplinary stakeholders and driving decisions through scientific and organizational complexity.
• End‑to‑end program perspective connecting indication biology, modality design, translational strategy, differentiation and development path.
• Innovation in next‑generation immune engagers or multispecific concepts, such as dual‑targeting, logic‑gated or TME‑dependent approaches, and associated discovery workflows.
• Experience in mentoring junior project leaders and a broader scientific reputation demonstrated through publications, patents, presentations or collaborations.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary

• This is a dual posting. The final level and title will be determined by the hiring team based on skills, experience, and capabilities.
• The salary for this position is expected to range between:
• Principal Scientist II: $126,000 - $234,000 per year.
• Senior Principal Scientist: $132,300 - $245,700 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, a 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

$132,300.00 - $245,700.00

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Business Influence, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Data Management, Decision Making, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail‑Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Laboratory Research, Leading Project Teams, Life Science, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Mentorship {+ 10 more}

Company Culture

Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives.