Principal Scientist II

Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite
Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join our discovery organization to identify and validate molecular targets that play key roles in disease biology. This role will contribute to advancing innovative therapeutic concepts by integrating molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and translational science approaches.
The successful candidate will apply deep scientific expertise to study cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and drug-target interactions, and to design and execute experiments that enable progression of drug discovery and early development programs. This individual will work within multidisciplinary teams and collaborate across functions to deliver high-impact scientific insights that support the development of novel complex biologics.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Principal Scientist II

• Formulate and lead or co-lead novel drug discovery or technology projects, driving impactful scientific outcomes aligned with strategic objectives

• Apply scientific expertise to drive understanding of disease biology and therapeutic mechanisms and influence matrix teams and cross-functional collaborators to deliver innovative solutions and advance project milestones

• Execute and interpret complex experiments to generate high-quality, actionable data, Generate and implement innovative approaches to address key scientific and technical questions across projects

• Establish priorities, timelines, and data-driven decision points for own team and cross-functional project teams

• Identify relevant scientific and technical trends and integrate them into project strategies

• Build and develop scientific capabilities within the team while contributing to broader community expertise

• Inspire teams and collaborators to progress scientific understanding and reach key decision points

Essential Requirements

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, cell biology, biophysics, virology, or related field

• Demonstrated experience in drug discovery, molecular target identification, or early development research

• Strong scientific expertise across one or more core disciplines including molecular biology, cellular biology, immunology, or biochemistry; experience in protein engineering and biologics highly preferred

• Proven ability to design experiments, analyze complex datasets, and draw clear, data-driven conclusions

• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and collaborating across functions

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills

• Knowledge of experimental systems including in vitro, in vivo, and/or ex vivo models

Preferred Experience

• Experience leading scientific projects or teams (direct or matrix leadership)

• Familiarity with assay development, translational models, or biomarker strategies

• Experience in drug target validation and mechanism-of-action studies

• Exposure to emerging technologies such as gene therapy, machine learning, or advanced analytics in R&D

• Experience working with external partners, academic collaborations, or cross-industry initiatives

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $119,700 - $222,300 US Annual per year.

The final position and 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.

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