Principal Scientist, Biotherapeutics Bioanalyst Bench Scientist

The Biotherapeutics Analytics and Bioanalytics group at 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—including antibodies and smaller formats, multivalent formats, protein conjugates, recombinant proteins, and both cell and gene therapies—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 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. Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite). Novartis does not offer relocation support. 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 questions at hand. Implement effective sample‑analysis pipelines to process and analyze ex‑vivo samples from numerous projects. Assign and oversee the work of junior associates in addition to 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 of 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 knock‑down 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. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $108,500 – $201,500 per year. Final salary offered will be determined based on relevant experience, and will be reviewed periodically after joining Novartis. Compensation additionally includes performance‑based cash incentive and an eligibility for annual equity awards. US‑based eligible employees 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. Employees are also eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves. #J-18808-Ljbffr