Chemical Biologist, Discovery Sciences

Band Level 3 Job Description Summary The Novartis Biomedical Research Discovery Science department is seeking a cell biologist to join the Chemical Biology group. This team focuses on early, innovative projects, leveraging scientific agility, curiosity, and the close integration of biology with chemistry. Our success is driven by new molecular insights and the advancement of technologies that enable transformative drug discovery. Our mission is to create pathways for drug discovery programs that deliver differentiated therapeutics to patients. In this role, you will explore emerging modalities in induced proximity, validate key mechanisms of action, align with therapeutically relevant targets, and help initiate new drug discovery programs. Working closely with scientific peers and cross-functional partners, you will design and execute innovative chemical biology strategies, generate high-quality data, validate targets and concepts, develop cellular assays to quantify proximity-driven biology, and support the characterization and optimization of candidates for advancement into the drug discovery portfolio. Success in this role requires strong hands-on expertise in molecular and cellular biology, combined with using chemical tools to interrogate biological systems. You will leverage creative experimental design to elucidate mechanism of action and dissect the molecular basis of novel induced proximity modalities, integrating bioinformatics with genome- and proteome-wide technologies to address key biological questions. Job Description Internal job title: Senior Scientist II Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite Key responsibilities: Design, optimize, and execute assays to quantify proximity-driven biology (e.g., degradation, stabilization, signaling rewiring, or protein–protein interactions) Apply chemical and genetic perturbation approaches in cells to evaluate small molecule on-target and off-target activities Design of phenotypic and target-based chemical and genetic screens to identify novel starting points for drug discovery Elucidate mechanism-of-action (MoA) of induced proximity modalities using biochemical, cellular, and omics-based approaches Integrate data across biochemical, cellular, proteomic, and transcriptomic workflows to build mechanistic understanding and guide decision-making Translate experimental results into clear recommendations to inform program prioritization and go/no-go decisions Stay current with advances in induced proximity and chemical biology to inform experimental strategy and identify new opportunities Collaborate cross-functionally across Novartis research teams and global sites Innovative and cross-disciplinary chemical biology approaches to problem solving Maintain accurate and timely documentation of experimental data, analysis, and conclusions Essential Requirements: Recent Ph.D. (within last 2 years) in chemical biology, systems biology, cell/molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., gene perturbation, protein analysis, cell-based assays) Ability to analyze and interpret complex biological datasets Ability to work in an exploratory, fast-evolving research environment with shifting priorities Demonstrated curiosity and ability to apply creative problem-solving approaches to adapt and overcome scientific challenges Excellent communication and presentation skills across a broad range of topics and adapted to variety of audiences Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in team environments Highly Desirable Requirements: Experience with, or exposure to, chemical biology, induced proximity (including targeted protein degradation), compound profiling, and/or drug discovery The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700 and $183,300 USD Annually. 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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential. 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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io 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 $98,700.00 - $183,300.00 Skills Desired Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Machine Learning (ML), Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Patient Care, 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. 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