Principal Scientist, Biotherapeutics Bioanalyst Bench Scientist

Summary

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. The initial focus is on the targeted delivery of nucleic acid modalities to various cell types of interest, while supporting projects across a range of biotherapeutic modalities.

About the Role

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I

Position Location: onsite, San Diego, CA

This role is based onsite in San Diego. Novartis does not offer relocation support for this position. Applicants must have accessible proximity to the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Interact with early‑stage discovery teams to understand project goals and challenges.
• Propose and design fit‑for‑purpose analyses suited to address specific scientific questions.
• Implement effective sample‑analysis pipelines to process and analyze ex vivo samples from multiple 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 equipment and digital automation to increase sample throughput.

Essential Requirements

• BS or MS in a life sciences field with 10+ years of research laboratory experience in biotech/pharma, or PhD with 2+ years of related industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience supervising junior associates or outsourced work.
• Experience developing and running nucleic acid‑based analyses (mRNA knockdown assessment, stem‑loop qPCR, ddPCR, etc.).
• Strong skills in collecting, documenting, processing, and interpreting data from multiple experiments, and independently designing subsequent experiments.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with classical protein and biotherapeutic analytical techniques, including ligand‑binding assay development.
• Working knowledge of chromatography and protein mass spectrometry.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $108,500 to $201,500 per year, based on relevant skills and experience. Salary may be reviewed periodically upon employment.

Compensation includes a performance‑based cash incentive and, for eligible levels, annual equity awards.

US‑based eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package covering health, life, disability, 401(k) with company match, and multiple leave options. Employees also receive a generous time‑off package.

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 providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If an accommodation is needed for part of the application process or to perform essential functions of this position, please contact [emailprotected] or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and include the job requisition number.