Principal Scientist II​/Senior Principal Scientist, Modeling & Simulation; Dual Level

Principal Scientist II / Senior Principal Scientist – Hybrid (Cambridge, MA)

Novartis is a leader in neuroscience and cardiovascular disease research with a robust and diverse pipeline of innovative therapies. We are seeking a translational modeler to accelerate oligonucleotide therapeutics (xRNA), including antibody‑xRNA conjugates, from discovery through clinical translation.

In this role, you will partner with multi‑disciplinary discovery and preclinical teams to develop and apply model‑informed approaches that shape program strategies. You will work closely with clinical pharmacology and pharmacometrics groups to support clinical programs, applying quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) and mechanistic PBPK/PD approaches to inform key decisions from early dose optimization through life‑cycle management. This role reports to a Modeling and Simulation (M&S) team lead within the Pharmacokinetic Sciences (PKS) M&S team.

• Act as the M&S representative on several programs. Develop and execute modeling strategies, contribute to project team discussions, and guide model‑informed decisions from therapeutic design to first‑in‑human dose selection and beyond.
• Build and apply mechanistic models (PK/PD, QSP, and PBPK/PD) that link drug pharmacology, tissue biodistribution, mechanism(s) of action, and downstream effects.
• Integrate modeling into the design and interpretation of preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies to support candidate selection, optimization, and advancement toward the clinic.
• Collaboratively develop platform disease (QSP) and PBPK/PD models that extend across multiple projects and phases of discovery & development.
• Engage in strategic initiatives within M&S, such as creating platform‑level translational modeling strategies to impact across projects and developing modeling workflows (e.g., agentic AI).
• Proactively seek opportunities to increase the understanding and adoption of translational modeling among internal partners and expand the impact and visibility of modeling through external collaborations.

• Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics, or a related field and 3+ years of industry experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility. Master’s degree with 5+ years of industry experience and demonstrated impact will be considered.
• General Modeling
  
  Skills:
  
  Expert level proficiency in core modeling fundamentals, including scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, R), construction of ordinary differential equation (ODE) models, parameter estimation, and data visualization.
• Industry Modeling
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP), and/or mechanistic physiologically based PK/PD (PBPK/PD) is required. Proficiency in pharmacometrics concepts (Population PK, exposure‑response modeling) is preferred.
• Domain Expertise:
  Prior experience with the integration of computational modeling and biological concepts is required. Experience modeling in the neuroscience and/or cardiovascular disease areas is preferred but not strictly required. Experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics (siRNA, ASO, PMO, etc.) and/or related experience with antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs) is strongly preferred.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  Demonstrated ability to communicate modeling results to a multidisciplinary audience for collaborative work and/or to facilitate strategy and decision‑making. Fluent in English (oral and written).

This is a hybrid role that requires a balance of in‑person and virtual working, with an average of 12 days a month on site in Cambridge, MA.

Salary range:
Principal Scientist II – $126,000 to $234,000 per year.
Senior Principal Scientist – $152,000 to $261,000 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on relevant skills and experience and will be reviewed periodically.

Compensation includes 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. Employees are eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

For more information about culture, rewards and benefits, please refer to the company website.