Senior Principal Scientist, Translational Profiling Imaging

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 283,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist/Associate Director to lead a small group of biologists with advanced imaging expertise. You will drive integration of spatial proteomics and imaging technologies to enable target discovery and validation across disease areas.

The role blends bench science with leadership, mentoring matrix teams, and shaping translational profiling capabilities using imaging, spatial biology, and multi-omics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or related life sciences with 7+ years in drug discovery.
• Hands-on experience with cellular/tissue models and advanced microscopy (confocal, super-resolution).
• Experience leading scientists and influencing cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and application of translational biology, imaging, and profiling strategies across the drug discovery pipeline.
• Design and implement assays and workflows leveraging imaging, spatial biology, and proteomics.
• Maintain hands-on scientific presence in experimental design, assay development, and data interpretation.
• Generate biological insights into disease and therapeutic mechanisms, tissue targeting, pharmacology, and translational biomarkers.
• Mentor and develop scientists, foster collaboration, and communicate findings to project teams and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Imaging expertise

Translational biology

Cross-functional teamwork

Experimental biology

Data interpretation

AI imaging

Education

PhD in Biology or related life sciences

Job description

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to lead a small group of biologists with advanced imaging expertise. You will drive integration of new spatial proteomics and imaging technologies across matrix teams to enable complex target discovery and validation across disease areas.

This position is part of the imaging team within the Translational Profiling group in Discovery Sciences, Biomedical Research at Novartis. The Translational Profiling group is a global multidisciplinary team with expertise in advanced imaging, metabolomics and lipidomics, proteomics, and data science. Working in close collaboration with disease area teams, the group supports drug discovery projects from early target identification through mechanism of action studies to accelerate the development of transformative therapies for patients.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Senior Principal Scientist/Associate Director

Position Location : Cambridge, MA, onsite #LI-onsite

We are seeking an enthusiastic, innovative, and highly motivated scientist to join the Translational Profiling group within Discovery Sciences in Cambridge, MA.

As a Senior Principal Scientist / Associate Director , you will provide scientific leadership at the intersection of biology and advanced imaging-based platform innovation. You will lead and mentor a matrix team of scientists while remaining active at the bench, engaged in experimental design, assay development, and data interpretation. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of translational biology capabilities by leveraging and advancing state-of-the-art imaging, spatial biology, and molecular profiling platforms to answer critical biological questions and accelerate the discovery of transformative medicines.

The successful candidate will combine deep biological expertise with a passion for innovation, working collaboratively across Discovery Sciences, therapeutic areas, and external partnerships to develop novel approaches for understanding disease biology, target discovery, therapeutic mechanisms, biodistribution, target engagement, and pharmacology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and application of innovative translational biology, imaging, and profiling strategies to address critical questions across the drug discovery pipeline.
• Design, develop, and implement novel assays and integrated workflows leveraging imaging, spatial biology, proteomics, and complementary technologies.
• Maintain an active hands on scientific presence through experimental design, assay development, troubleshooting, and interpretation of complex datasets.
• Generate biological insights into disease mechanisms, therapeutic mechanisms of action, tissue targeting, pharmacology, and translational biomarkers.
• Lead cross-functional matrix teams and collaborate closely with project teams, platform scientists, and disease-area researchers to drive impactful scientific outcomes.
• Shape the strategy and evolution of imaging, spatial biology, and translational profiling capabilities, identifying opportunities for innovation and capability expansion.
• Establish and manage external collaborations to evaluate and implement emerging technologies that strengthen research capabilities.
• Mentor and develop scientists, fostering scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Communicate scientific findings and strategic recommendations to project teams, research leaders, and senior stakeholders.

Essential Requirements :

• Ph.D. in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or a related life sciences discipline, with 7+ years of postgraduate experience driving innovative research in a drug discovery setting.
• Strong expertise in experimental biology, including cellular and tissue-based models, with hands on experience in confocal, super resolution, and other advanced microscopy approaches.
• Proven track record of applying imaging and translational biology approaches to investigate disease mechanisms, therapeutic mechanisms of action, target biology, tissue and cell targeting, and translational hypotheses across multiple disease areas.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership experience, including mentoring and developing scientists and influencing cross-functional teams within a matrixed research environment.
• Passion for scientific innovation and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled approaches for imaging, omics, and multidimensional biological data analysis.
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a strong record of scientific impact and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience integrating imaging and multi-omics approaches to drive biological insight generation and decision-making.
• Target and drug discovery experience in an industry setting.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $138,600 and $257,400 USD annually for Senior Principal Scientist, and $152,600 and $283,400 US