Senior Scientist I, Lentiviral Vector Purification and Analytics

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA is seeking a Research Scientist focused on lentiviral vector purification and analytics to advance CAR‑T program development. This lab‑based role involves hands‑on purification, analytics, and cross‑functional collaboration to develop high‑quality viral vectors for next‑generation cell therapies.

You will design experiments, optimize purification processes, and contribute to technology transfer and documentation while working onsite in

Qualifications

• BS or MS in bioengineering, virology, or related field with relevant lab experience.
• Six years (BS) or four years (MS) of postgraduate experience in viral vector purification.
• BSL2 experience with AAV, lentiviral, or retroviral vector production.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique, cell culture, molecular biology, and analytical testing.
• Expertise in operating different scales of bioreactors for viral vector production.
• Hands-on experience with chromatography and AKTA operation.
• Familiar with downstream processes (depth filtration, ultrafiltration, diafiltration, tangential flow filtration).
• Strong coordination, communication, collaboration, learning agility, and self-motivation.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and GraphPad Prism.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on lentiviral vector purification including clarification, chromatography and TFF.
• Execute analytical methods to assess quality of the purified vector.
• Write and review protocols, technical reports, and technology transfer documents.
• Write and review SOPs, instrument procedures, and other lab documents.
• Plan and prioritize work to meet goals while managing multiple research activities.
• Support experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Identify root causes, implement solutions, and verify effectiveness.
• Present scientific data and contribute to discussions.
• Document experimental procedures and processes thoroughly.
• Collaborate across teams, share knowledge, and train team members in technical areas as needed.

Skills

Lentiviral vector purification

Analytical testing

Bioreactor operation

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

DOE / Design of Experiments

Training teammates

Education

BS or MS in bioengineering or virology

Tools

AKTA chromatography

Ambr bioreactors

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Lentiviral Vector (LVV) Team in the Biologics Research Center (BRC) at Novartis, Cambridge, MA is seeking a highly motivated Scientist with experience in production and purification of viral vectors to join our team. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing our Cell and Gene Therapy research initiatives and contributing to groundbreaking research in CAR‑T cell therapy.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Senior Scientist I Position Location: Cambridge, MA/USA, onsite

** This role is based in Cambridge, MA/USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Join a collaborative team at the forefront of cell and gene therapy research.

As a Research Scientist focused on lentiviral vector purification and analytics, you will apply hands‑on laboratory expertise to help develop, optimize, and characterize viral vector processes that support next‑generation CAR‑T programs. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative science, work across purification and analytical workflows, and help advance high‑quality research materials that enable transformative therapeutic approaches.

Key responsibilities

This is a lab-based position that requires hands‑on execution of activities related to lentiviral vector purification including clarification, chromatography and TFF.

Execute analytical methods (molecular‑ and cell‑based) to assess quality of the purified vector.

Write and review protocols, technical reports, and technology transfer documents with supported conclusions and recommendations.

Write and review SOPs, instrument procedures, and other lab documents.

Plan and prioritize work to meet goals while managing multiple research activities.

Support experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting.

Identify root causes, implement solutions, and verify effectiveness.

Present scientific data and contribute openly to discussions.

Document experimental procedures and processes thoroughly.

Collaborate across teams, share knowledge, and train team members in technical areas as needed.

Essential Requirements

BS or MS in bioengineering, virology, or related field with relevant lab experience.

Six years (with BS) or four years (with MS) of postgraduate experience in viral vector purification.

BSL2 experience with AAV, lentiviral, or retroviral vector production.

Proficiency in aseptic technique, cell culture, molecular biology, and analytical testing.

Expertise in operating different scales of bioreactors for viral vector production.

Hands‑on experience with chromatography and familiar with AKTA operation.

Familiar with various downstream process techniques, including but not limited to depth filtration, ultrafiltration, diafiltration, tangential flow filtration, etc.

Strong coordination, communication, collaboration, learning agility, and self‑motivation.

Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and GraphPad Prism.

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desirable Requirements

Hands‑on experience with Ambr bioreactors.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 USD annually.

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.

Skills Desired

• Analytical Thinking
• Analytical Thinking
• Chemical Biology
• Chemistry
• Clinical Research
• Clinical Trials
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Curious Mindset
• Data Analysis
• Data Management
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Detail‑Oriented
• Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)
• Drug Discovery Process
• Ethics
• Gene Therapy
• Immunology
• Laboratory Research
• Leading Project Teams
• Life Science
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Medical Research
• Molecular Biology
• {+ 10 more}

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.

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