Principal Scientist II - Pharmacology

Location:

Cambridge, MA. This position is located in Cambridge, MA and does not have the ability to be located remotely. Please only apply if this area is accessible to you. Over 40 therapies in the clinic! NI  Oncology strives to reimagine medicines for cancer patients through a combination of treatment approaches including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, CAR‑T, and radioligand therapy. NI  is seeking an in vivo scientist to join our Oncology Pharmacology team in Cambridge, MA.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multi‑disciplinary team and play a key role in the development and application of in vivo models for evaluating novel cancer therapies and advancing the early‑stage drug discovery pipeline. This is a lab‑head‑based position, where the ideal candidate is expected to lead efforts in the design and execution of in vivo anti‑tumor efficacy and PK/PD studies aimed at evaluating drug candidates in CDX, PDX, and syngeneic models.

Applicants are expected to develop novel in vivo assays to interrogate key scientific questions and deliver high‑value translationally relevant data that can inform clinical development. Qualified candidates will have extensive experience in a variety of molecular biology skills. A strong background and expertise in antibody drug conjugates is preferred. We are looking for highly motivated, inquisitive, and creative individuals, who thrive in a highly matrixed work environment, and can effectively communicate within multidisciplinary project teams.

• Design pre‑clinical in vivo studies to explore novel hypotheses, screen candidate molecules, and establish proof‑of‑concept of new modalities.
• Develop in vivo CDX, PDX, and syngeneic models to evaluate anti‑tumor activity, PK/PD relationships, relevant biomarkers, and key translational questions.
• Manage associate‑level scientists.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional project teams.
• Critically analyze and present results within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Careful adherence to animal protocols and proper documentation of data and methods in electronic laboratory notebook.

• PhD with 5-8 years of research experience as a postdoc or in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
• Deep knowledge of antibody drug conjugates.
• Extensive experience working with CDX and PDX xenograft tumor models and/or syngeneic models.
• Expertise in cell culture, PCR, ELISA, western blot, and flow cytometry.
• Strong analytical, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills, including a proficiency with PowerPoint and commonly used data analysis programs, such as Prism and Excel.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit

Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $126,000 and $234,000 per year. 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.