Senior Scientist II, AAV Purification & Gene Therapy

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 99,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Vacation and paid leave

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated scientist in San Diego, CA to join the Cell & Gene Therapy unit.

You will evaluate downstream manufacturability, explore purification methods, and develop platform processes for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors, with emphasis on early-stage programs. The role requires a strong background in biochemistry and downstream purification, hands-on AKTA systems, and ability to work in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related field with 5+ years relevant experience (PhD considered).
• Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography; hands-on with AKTA systems.
• Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to researchers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced, matrix environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform purification at different scales including depth filtration, ultracentrifugation, AKTA chromatography, and TFF across programs.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate next-gen capsids and platform processes.
• Prepare buffers, maintain equipment, label samples, and submit analytical samples.
• Collaborate with upstream process development and analytical development teams.
• Engage in project core team discussions to align objectives and strategies.
• Support knowledge transfer to advance programs into clinical phases.
• Prepare protocols, reports, and high-quality data documentation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Detail-oriented

Independent thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in biochemistry/chemical engineering/bioengineering

PhD (recent, within last 2 years)

Tools

AKTA purification systems

Depth filtration

Ion-exchange chromatography

Job description

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated scientist in San Diego, CA to join the Cell & Gene Therapy unit.

You will evaluate downstream manufacturability, explore purification methods, and develop platform processes for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors, with emphasis on early-stage programs. The role requires a strong background in biochemistry and downstream purification, hands-on AKTA systems, and ability to work in a fast-paced,