Senior Scientist II, Early Pipeline Development

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

Job Description Summary The Biologics Research Center (BRC) at Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated scientist with expertise in recombinant adeno‑associated virus (AAV) manufacturing to join the Cell & Gene Therapy unit in San Diego, California. In collaboration with Biomedical Research Disease Areas, the role will support the early‑stage AAV gene therapy pipeline by assessing the downstream manufacturability and developability of lead candidates, exploring purification methods, and developing improved platform processes for existing and novel capsids and cargo vectors.

Job Description Internal Job Title: Senior Scientist II Position Location: San Diego, CA, onsite ** This position is based in San Diego, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

The Biologics Research Center (BRC) at Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated scientist with expertise in recombinant adeno‑associated virus (AAV) manufacturing to join the Cell & Gene Therapy unit in San Diego, California. In collaboration with Biomedical Research Disease Areas, the role will support the early‑stage AAV gene therapy pipeline by assessing the downstream manufacturability and developability of lead candidates, exploring purification methods, and developing improved platform processes for existing and novel capsids and cargo vectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform different scales of purification process including depth filtration, ultracentrifugation, AKTA column chromatography, and TFF unit operations across multiple early‑stage programs.
• Design and execute experiments to drive innovative technology and platform evaluation for next generation capsids.
• Perform experiment‑related activities including buffer preparation, equipment maintenance, sample labelling and analytical sample submissions.
• Work collaboratively with upstream process development and analytical development teams.
• Engage collaboratively in operational and strategic discussions within a project core team.
• Assist knowledge transfer and work collaboratively with Technical Research & Development team to advance pipeline programs into clinical phases.
• Facilitate scientific and technical discussions during project translation, ensuring clarity and alignment of objectives across teams.
• Prepare protocols, reports, and provide high‑quality data and electronic notebook documentation.
• Other related duties as assigned.

undefined Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related technical field with 5+ years relevant experience. We will also consider recent PhD graduates (within last 2 years).
• Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion‑exchange chromatography with hands on experience with AKTA purification systems.
• Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross‑functional collaborators.
• Strong organization and problem‑solving skills with attention to details Ability to work in a fast‑paced and matrix environment.

Desired Requirements:

• Experiences in AAV gene therapy Experience with viral gene therapy

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700 and $183,300 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.

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 $98,700.00 - $183,300.00

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}

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