Job Description Summary
The Biotherapeutics Analytics and Bioanalytics group in Novartis San Diego is seeking a Principal Scientist to join the Biologics Research Center. The primary responsibility of this role is to develop and apply fit-for-purpose analyses of ex vivo samples to enable early-stage project teams to address key scientific questions required for successful project progression. Although the group supports projects deploying a wide variety of biotherapeutic modalities (antibodies and smaller formats, multi-specifics, protein conjugates, recombinant proteins and both cell and gene therapy, the initial focus of this position is the targeted delivery of nucleic acid modalities to various cell types of interest.The ideal candidate is a hands on bench scientist who can interact with various project teams to define stage-appropriate analyses, work with junior associates to jointly implement the required measurements, and present the results to the project team to enable decisions.
Job Description
Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I
Position Location: onsite, San Diego, CA #LI-onsite
*This role is based onsite in San Diego, CA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role. Please only apply if this location is accessible for you.
The Biotherapeutics Analytics and Bioanalytics group in Novartis San Diego is seeking a Principal Scientist to join the Biologics Research Center. The primary responsibility of this role is to develop and apply fit-for-purpose analyses of ex vivo samples to enable early-stage project teams to address key scientific questions required for successful project progression. Although the group supports projects deploying a wide variety of biotherapeutic modalities (antibodies and smaller formats, multi-specifics, protein conjugates, recombinant proteins and both cell and gene therapy, the initial focus of this position is the targeted delivery of nucleic acid modalities to various cell types of interest.
Key responsibilities:
Interact with early-stage discovery teams to understand goals and current challenges faced by the project
Propose fit-for-purpose analyses best suited to address question at hand
Implement effective sample analyses pipelines to process and analyze ex vivo samples from numerous projects
Assign/oversee the work of more junior associates in addition to their own bench responsibilities
Collate results and explain implications to the research team
Explore opportunities in both equipment and digital automation to increase sample throughput
Essential Requirements:
BS or MS degree in an applicable life sciences field, with 10+ years’ experience working in a research laboratory in the biotech/pharma industry, or PhD with 2+ years of related industry experience.
Demonstrated experience supervising junior level associates (or supervision of outsourced work).
Demonstrated experience developing and running nucleic acid-based analyses from both in vitro and ex vivo samples (mRNA knockdown assessment, stem loop qPCR based measurements, ddPCR etc.).
Effective collection, documentation, processing and interpretation of data from multiple experiments followed by independent design of the next experiment.
Desirable Requirements:
Experience with classical protein and biotherapeutic analytical techniques including ligand binding assay development.
Working understanding of various modes of chromatography and protein mass spectrometry.
The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year. 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 [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Salary Range
$108,500.00 - $201,500.00
Skills Desired
Analytical Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Curious Mindset, Data, Data Analysis, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Laboratory, Lifesciences, Machine Learning (ML), Management, Medical Research, Molecular Biology {+ 10 more}Skills Required
- BS or MS in life sciences with 10+ years experience or PhD with 2+ years
- Experience supervising junior associates
- Experience with nucleic acid-based analyses
Novartis Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Novartis and has not been reviewed or approved by Novartis.
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Healthcare Strength — Pay and benefits are described as a strong overall package, supported by medical, dental, and vision insurance alongside FSAs/HSAs and disability and life coverage. Mental-health support is reinforced through an employee assistance program with psychological support and a network of mental health first aiders.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout element, with an automatic company contribution plus dollar-for-dollar matching in the 401(k). Additional retirement funding is described through an age-based defined contribution program and access to an employee share purchase plan discount.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-related benefits are framed as robust, including a global minimum of paid parental leave for new parents following birth or adoption. Added supports include domestic partner coverage, dependent-care resources, and benefits such as adoption assistance and child/elder care options.
Novartis Insights
What We Do
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, working to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide.









