Research Scientist – Bioanalytics

Job Description Summary

The Biologics Research Center (BRC) discovers and develops biologic therapeutics to treat unmet medical needs in all of Novartis’s disease areas – ranging from oncology, to autoimmune disease, to respiratory diseases and cardiovascular disease.

The Biologics group in BRC works with other Novartis scientists to characterize and identify lead molecules as biotherapeutic drug candidates. We use a range of technologies and approaches to evaluate recombinant protein and cell binding, epitope binning, functional activity to extensively characterize and identify lead molecules.

Internal

Job Title:

Research Scientist II

Position: Location:
Cambridge, MA, onsite

We are looking for a collaborative, inquisitive scientist with an interest and some experience in biologics discovery to join our team.

For this position, direct experience in antibody characterization by surface plasmon resonance (e.g., Biacore) is preferred. Additional background in binding characterization using other approaches (e.g., Fortebio, Kinexa, flow cytometry, Ligand Tracer) and functional assay development (e.g., ELISA) are also relevant.

As a member of the Bioanalytics team, you must become proficient in developing Biacore methods to address project objectives. Eventually you will independently analyze and interpret Biacore data with the ability to draw your own conclusions in alignment with project initiatives and generate your own hypotheses to test, troubleshoot and execute the next set of experiments with some input from senior lab members.

In addition, you will train and become proficient in mammalian cell culture and cellular binding technologies to characterize antibody molecules binding to cells (e.g. Kinexa, Ligand Tracer). You will serve on research teams where your data needs to be clearly compiled in a slide deck and effectively presented to the team.

• Provides data analysis to interpret own experiments across various binding and functional assays – assesses whether experimental hypothesis was appropriately tested and answered
• Demonstrate awareness of other departmental activities related to assigned projects
• Operate in an interdisciplinary setting requiring a high degree of collaboration within and across teams with training of junior associates as needed
• Present research and participate constructively in working project teams and at lab meetings
• Develop SPR methods and generate binding reports to communicate findings to research teams (SPR, Carterra)
• Maintain cell cultures and perform cellular binding experiments (FACS, KinExA, Ligand Tracer)
• Perform plate-based binding and functional assays (ex: ELISA, MSD, Alpha Screen)

• MS (within last 2 years) in a scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry or pharmacology or appropriate area; or BS and 2+ years relevant experience in drug discovery or other related laboratory research
• Familiarity with cell/molecular biology techniques
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Distinguished team spirit and scientific drive
• High flexibility combined with excellent organizational and communication skills

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and/or cellular binding technologies

The salary for this position is expected to range between $81,200 and $150,800 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.

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