Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist

Job Description Summary

Internal

Position Title:

Principal Scientist I/II

Location:

Cambridge, MA, #LI-Onsite

This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

• Design, develop, and qualify preclinical and clinical biomarker assays (cellular, soluble, proteomic, genetic, and genomic) to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification for DAx programs.
• Design, develop, optimize, and clinically implement ligand binding assays (e.g., ELISA, MSD, immunoassays).
• Ensure analytical rigor, robustness, and “fit‑for‑purpose” performance expectations and technical assessment standards.
• Execute laboratory‑based research, including hands‑on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, and DAx project teams to align assay strategies with DAx therapeutic area priorities.
• Support the implementation of biomarker assays in preclinical and clinical studies, including documentation and reporting of results.
• Maintain exemplary laboratory practices, accurate record keeping, and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Present research findings in lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications and internal reports.

• PhD or MD, Postdoctoral Fellowship preferred, with 4+ years’ experience in a relevant scientific and technical discipline, OR BS/MS with 8+ years’ experience.
• Hands‑on experience with designing and executing ligand‑binding assays.
• Demonstrated experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics, or related fields within pharma or biotech.
• Experience in assay development, qualification, and implementation for preclinical and/or clinical studies across various animal and human matrices.
• Proven skill in independently developing and executing biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery.
• Innovative and critical thinking, with a track record of scientific impact and continuous improvement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability in laboratory research.

• Experience with multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches, especially as applied to renal, liver, fibrosis, or exploratory disease areas.
• Familiarity with animal models and ex vivo assays.
• Hands‑on experience with RNA assays and/or LC‑MS based biomarker or assay quantification.
• Knowledge of statistics and computational data analysis.
• Experience working with CROs or external vendors to support assay development, biomarker studies or analytical deliverables.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and $126,000 and $234,000 per year for Principal Scientist II. Salary 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, eligibility for annual equity awards.

US‑based eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

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.

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or to perform essential functions of the position, please e‑mail reasonab or call +1(877)395‑2339 and include the job requisition number.