Job Description

Summary

About the role:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist I to join our dynamic in vitro pharmacology team in San Diego dedicated to advancing gene therapy and siRNA for neurological and neuromuscular diseases. As a key member of our research programs, you will play a critical role in supporting various aspects of biomarker assay development, tissue sample processing, antibody screening campaigns, and monoclonal antibody isolation. Sounds exciting? Join us and make a difference.

About the Role

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and optimize biomarker assays essential for monitoring therapeutic efficacy and disease progression in neurological and neuromuscular gene therapy programs.
• Utilize expertise in ELISA, MSD, and Luminex assays to accurately measure biomarker levels in biological samples.
• Conduct tissue sample processing techniques to extract RNA, DNA, and proteins for downstream analysis.
• Conduct comprehensive analysis of gene expression utilizing techniques such as RT-ddPCR.
• Implement next-generation sequencing methodologies to assess gene expression profiles in relevant tissues.
• Lead antibody screening campaigns, including hybridoma generation, antibody selection, and validation.
• Isolate monoclonal antibodies using state-of-the-art techniques and platforms.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate findings into the overall program strategy.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and contribute to the continuous improvement of experimental protocols and techniques.
  

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This position will be located at San Diego site and will not have the ability to be located remotely. Please note that this role would not provide relocation.

Role Requirements:
Essential Requirements:

• B.S. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Neuroscience) with 5+ years, MSc with 4+ years or Ph.D. with 2 years of industry experience.
• Strong background in tissue sample processing techniques, including nucleic acid and protein extraction.
• Experience in gene therapy biodistribution methods including ddPCR, RT-ddPC
• Proven expertise in biomarker assay development, including ELISA, MSD, FRET, Luminex, Simoa, Western blot (JESS)
• Experience in cell isolation and characterization using flow cytometry, FACS.
• Knowledge and understanding of next-generation sequencing methodologies and data analysis, including RNAseq, 10x Genomics. Hands on experience a plus.
• Knowledge and understanding of antibody screening campaigns, hybridoma generation, and monoclonal antibody isolation. Hands on experience a plus.
• Proficiency at problem-solving and ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific innovation and productivity, as evidenced by publications and/or patents.

Desired Requirements :

• Prior experience in gene therapy research, particularly in neurological and neuromuscular diseases.
• Familiarity with industry standards and technologies for biomarker assay development.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and growing team environment and to prioritize work from multiple projects. Must be highly reliable and goals/deadlines oriented.
• Hands-on experience with automation and high-throughput screening platforms, a plus.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary :

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between: $93,800 and $174,200/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period.  Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Why Novartis:
Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here:

You’ll receive:

You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

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 [email protected] call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to learn more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here:

Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up:

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally:

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 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 [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

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