Senior Scientist I/II, Oncology

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking a Senior Scientist I/II in Cambridge, MA to drive drug-conjugate discovery programs within Oncology Drug Discovery. The role emphasizes in vitro cellular assays, high-throughput screening, and data-driven hypothesis testing in a lab-based setting.

You will work on target validation and drug optimization, collaborating across Biomedical Research, and contributing to multi-disciplinary project teams.

Qualifications

• BS/MS Degree in biology or related field
• Minimum 5+ years of industry experience preferred
• Extensive experience with cellular assay development & execution, experience with high throughput screening workflows strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and present data in a clear manner and use data to generate new hypotheses
• Highly self-motivated, collaborative team player with exceptional organizational skills and curiosity to expand and diversify skillsets
• Level will commensurate with experience

Responsibilities

• Generates hypotheses to test, troubleshoots issues and designs and executes the next set of experiments with some input from senior lab members/manager.
• Works independently and as a part of a team to design, execute, and analyze in vitro experiments to profile small molecules and biologics and elucidate mechanisms of action
• Executes cell and molecular biology assays (e.g. cell titer glo, flow cytometry, JESS, western blot, MSD)
• Cultures cells using sterile technique including genetic engineering and validation of cell lines
• Uses laboratory automation equipment (liquid handlers, plate readers, dispensers) to perform screens
• Maintains an organized and detailed record of all experiments
• Works collaboratively across teams and trains other members of team in areas of technical expertise as needed.
• Clearly communicates findings and presents research to multidisciplinary project teams
• Supports lab operations including management of materials, maintenance of instruments, and general lab duties

Skills

Cellular assay development

High throughput screening workflows

Data analysis & interpretation

Collaborative team player

Organizational skills

Education

BS/MS in biology or related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

Western blot

MSD

JESS

Job description

Summary

Location: Cambridge, MA

This role is based in Cambridge, MA, and does not have the ability to be located remotely.

The xDC Biotherapeutics group within Oncology Drug Discovery at Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Senior Scientist I/II to advance drug-conjugate discovery programs for the treatment of cancer patients. In this lab-based role, the successful candidate will apply cell and molecular biology techniques to deliver impactful data for target validation and drug optimization efforts. This role requires a strong understanding of and experience with in vitro cell-based assays for drug discovery. This individual will interact collaboratively with colleagues across Biomedical Research and will be a member of multidisciplinary project teams. This is a great opportunity to join a group dedicated to the discovery of biotherapeutics and to support advancement of drug discovery projects into the Novartis portfolio.

About The Role

This listing represents multiple openings for the same role.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Generates hypotheses to test, troubleshoots issues and designs and executes the next set of experiments with some input from senior lab members/manager.
• Works independently and as a part of a team to design, execute, and analyze in vitro experiments to profile small molecules and biologics and elucidate mechanisms of action
• Executes cell and molecular biology assays (e.g. cell titer glo, flow cytometry, JESS, western blot, MSD)
• Cultures cells using sterile technique including genetic engineering and validation of cell lines
• Uses laboratory automation equipment (liquid handlers, plate readers, dispensers) to perform screens
• Maintains an organized and detailed record of all experiments
• Works collaboratively across teams and trains other members of team in areas of technical expertise as needed.
• Clearly communicates findings and presents research to multidisciplinary project teams
• Supports lab operations including management of materials, maintenance of instruments, and general lab duties

Role Requirements

Essential Requirements

• BS/MS Degree in biology or related field
• Minimum 5+ years of industry experience preferred
• Extensive experience with cellular assay development & execution, experience with high throughput screening workflows strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and present data in a clear manner and use data to generate new hypotheses
• Highly self-motivated, collaborative team player with exceptional organizational skills and curiosity to expand and diversify skillsets
• Level will commensurate with experience

Desired Requirements

• Oncology experience highly preferred
• Understanding of drug discovery optimization processes
• Experience with discovery of antibody-drug-conjugates

Novartis Compensation And Benefit Summary

Role Leveling (Dual Posting)

The Expected Salary Range At Commencement Of Employment Is

This is a dual posting. The final level and title will be determined by the hiring team based on skills, experience, and capabilities:

• Sr Scientist I: $93,800 - $174,200
• Sr Scientist II: $98,700 - $183,400

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.

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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

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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 & 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 [email protected] 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.