Principal Scientist II

Job Description Summary Position Location: onsite, Cambridge, MA #LI-hybrid *This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Please only apply if this location is accessible for you. We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join our xDC team and help advance next-generation targeted therapeutic platforms. This role will contribute to the development and expansion of biologics and drug-conjugate infrastructure, with a focus on innovative vectorization strategies, biology-informed payload approaches, and differentiated conjugate designs. The ideal candidate will bring strong scientific judgment, hands-on technical expertise, and experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Industry experience in biologics, ADCs, targeted therapeutics, or related modalities is preferred. Job Description Key Responsibilities: Drive scientific activities supporting the discovery and optimization of next-generation xDC and biologics platforms Contribute to the design and evaluation of new vectorization approaches for targeted delivery Support the development of payload strategies aligned with disease biology and therapeutic mechanism of action Participate in the exploration of differentiated conjugate formats, including multi-payload or combination-based approaches Work closely with cross-functional teams across biology, chemistry, protein engineering, pharmacology, translational sciences, and CMC Design, execute, and interpret experiments to guide platform and program decisions. Identify emerging scientific opportunities and help translate them into actionable research strategies Communicate results clearly through presentations, reports, and scientific discussions Contribute to external collaborations and technology evaluation efforts as needed Maintain awareness of the competitive and scientific landscape in ADCs, biologics, and targeted therapeutic platforms Essential Requirements: Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, immunology, chemical biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline 3–5 years of relevant post-Ph.D. experience, preferably in an industry setting Experience with biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, targeted delivery platforms, protein therapeutics, or related modalities Strong understanding of disease biology, target selection, mechanism-of-action studies, and translational research principles Familiarity with biologics engineering, conjugation strategies, payload biology, or preclinical therapeutic development is preferred Demonstrated ability to design rigorous experiments, analyze complex data, and make data-driven recommendations Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary research environment Preferred Experience: Prior experience in ADC, xDC, or other targeted therapeutic platforms Experience evaluating novel targets, payload mechanisms, or biology-driven therapeutic hypotheses Familiarity with in vitro and in vivo pharmacology workflows Experience working with external partners, CROs, academic collaborators, or technology vendors Track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, presentations, or program advancement The salary for this position is expected to range between $119,700 and $222,300 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 View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message. Salary Range $119,700.00 - $222,300.00 Skills Desired Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Python (Programming Language), Science Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives. Novartis is aware of employment scams which make false use of our company name or leader’s names or recruiter’s names to defraud job seekers. Novartis does not make job offers without interview and never asks candidates for money. If you have encountered a job posting or been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond, send money or personal information. Novartis is not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, or expenses resulting from scams. In the context of China Cross-Border Data Transfer (CBDT) policy, if you need to apply for a position in China, please go to the local Recruiting System TaleNov .