Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead | Principal Scientist

Novartis Group Companies; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Total rewards program

13–14 weeks parental leave

Job summary

Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead to drive preclinical and translational biomarker strategies from target validation to early clinical planning. This role partners with Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, and Biomarker Development to ensure biomarker plans align with program milestones.

The candidate will act as the single biomarker strategy contact, defining hypotheses, plans, and decision criteria, and will manage external collaborations and

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, immunology, translational medicine, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of translational research, biomarker strategy, biomarker discovery, or drug development in pharma/biotech.
• Experience developing biomarker strategies supporting drug discovery and development programs.
• Strong understanding of biomarker applications including target engagement, pharmacodynamics, patient stratification, disease activity, and mechanism-based biomarkers.
• Experience leading cross-functional matrix teams and influencing scientific strategy without direct authority.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of stage-appropriate preclinical and translational biomarker strategies for DAx programs from target validation through early clinical development readiness.
• Serve as the biomarker representative and single point of contact on assigned DAx project teams.
• Define biomarker hypotheses, context of use, evidence requirements, and decision criteria aligned with program milestones.
• Develop integrated biomarker plans encompassing assays, models, samples, analyses, timelines, and external partnerships.
• Partner across Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, Preclinical Safety, Quantitative Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Biomarker Development to align biomarker activities and execution.
• Generate translational evidence linking target biology, pharmacology, and biomarkers to support key portfolio decisions.
• Drive external collaborations and leverage innovative technologies, datasets, and human sample resources to strengthen biomarker strategies and research-to-development transition.

Skills

Biomarker strategy

Translational research

Biology

Pharmacology

Immunology

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Python

Chemistry

Science

Education

PhD/MD/PharmD or equivalent

Tools

None

Job description

Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead to drive preclinical and translational biomarker strategies from target validation to early clinical planning. This role partners with Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, and Biomarker Development to ensure biomarker plans align with program milestones.

The candidate will act as the single biomarker strategy contact, defining hypotheses, plans, and decision criteria, and will manage external collaborations and