Senior Scientist, Peptide Display Technologies

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

Job summary

Novartis Biomedical Research in San Diego seeks a Senior Scientist to lead peptide and protein discovery using display technologies (phage, yeast, mRNA) and molecular engineering. You will design campaigns, construct libraries, perform characterizations, and contribute to data analyses in a highly collaborative environment.

You will work onsite in San Diego with advanced platforms, cross-functional teams, and tight timelines to advance small molecules, peptides, and proteins through discovery to

Qualifications

• BS, MS or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering or related field with 4+ years experience.
• Hands-on with display technologies (phage, yeast, and/or mRNA) and library construction.
• Strong lab notes and documentation in ELNs.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver results on time.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Display technologies

Molecular engineering

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Phage display

Yeast display

mRNA display

PCR

DNA assembly

Cloning

Electroporation

ELISA

Flow cytometry

SPR/BLI

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.

About The Role

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.

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.