Senior Scientist, Peptide Display Technologies

Novartis Group Companies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Group Companies in San Diego, CA, seeks a Senior Scientist I/II to advance exploratory chemical biology programs. You will design peptide and protein discovery campaigns, optimize display platforms and contribute to next-generation therapeutics across small molecules, peptides, and proteins.

Working within a highly collaborative Biomedical Research team, you will generate and characterize libraries, perform molecular engineering, and analyze data to inform decision-making and drive

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in a relevant field with 4+ years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with display platforms and molecular biology methods.
• Strong documentation and communication in a team setting.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet timelines.
• Collaborative, with diverse team experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute peptide and protein discovery campaigns using display platforms.
• Generate and QC combinatorial libraries via cloning, PCR, DNA assembly.
• Identify discovery candidates through iterative selection and molecular engineering.
• Analyze data and communicate findings to project teams.
• Implement new technologies and automation to improve discovery efficiency.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Display technologies

Phage display

Yeast display

mRNA display

PCR

Cloning

DNA assembly

Electroporation

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology (relevant field)

Tools

ELISA

Flow cytometry

BLI

SPR

Sequencing

Job description

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the Exploratory Chemical Biology team within the Novartis Biomedical Research in San Diego. The successful candidate will contribute to the discovery of LMW, peptide, and protein therapeutics through the application of modern display technologies and molecular engineering approaches.

This position provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface of chemical biology, protein engineering, and emerging therapeutic modalities. The successful candidate will support discovery programs through the design and execution of display selections, library constructions, molecular characterizations, and data analyses in a highly collaborative research environment.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Senior Scientist I/II

Position Location: onsite, San Diego, CA

Bring your expertise in display technologies and molecular engineering to one of the industry's most innovative research organizations. As a Senior Scientist in Exploratory Chemical Biology at Novartis Biomedical Research, you will help unlock new therapeutic possibilities across small molecules, peptides, and proteins. You'll collaborate with world‑class scientists, apply emerging discovery technologies, and contribute to building next‑generation platforms that enable breakthrough medicines. If you thrive in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment and are excited by scientific innovation, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how future medicines are discovered.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute peptide and protein discovery campaigns using phage, mRNA, yeast, and other display or selection platforms.
• Generate, characterize, and quality‑control combinatorial libraries using cloning, PCR, DNA assembly, mutagenesis, and sequencing.
• Identify and optimize discovery candidates through iterative selection, molecular engineering, and biochemical or biophysical characterization using ELISA, flow cytometry, BLI, SPR, and related technologies.
• Analyze data and clearly communicate findings to project teams.
• Implement new technologies, workflows, and automation approaches to improve discovery efficiency.

Essential Requirements

• BS, MS, or recent PhD (within last 2 years) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 4+ years of relevant experience or training. Drug discovery experience preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with display technologies (phage, yeast, and/or mRNA), screening and assay technologies, and molecular biology methods, including library construction and quality control, PCR, cloning, electroporation, and DNA assembly.
• Strong laboratory skills, attention to experimental detail, and accurate, timely documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver results within established timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse, collaborative team.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 annually for Senior Scientist I, and $98,700 and $183,300 USD annually for Senior Scientist II. 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.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

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

$93,800.00 - $174,200.00

Skills Desired

• Analytical Thinking
• Chemical Biology
• Chemistry
• Clinical Research
• Clinical Trials
• Collaboration
• Curious Mindset
• Data Analysis
• Detail‑Oriented
• Ethics
• Gene Therapy
• Immunology
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Medical Research
• Molecular Biology
• Patient Care
• Science