Principal Scientist - Formulation

Job Description Summary As a Principal Scientist, you will lead and execute formulation development and characterization strategies for complex biologics—including monoclonal antibodies (mab’s), multispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other modalities. You will work closely with a team of more than 10 associates, driving scientific excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation aligned with Novartis values. You will play a key role in shaping formulation strategies during early-stage development and supporting candidate selection by identifying develop ability risks.

This position offers broad exposure to diverse biologics modalities and opportunities to contribute both experimentally and strategically.

• Design and execute formulation screening strategies for large-molecule therapeutics, with emphasis on mAbs and related biologic modalities
• Lead studies to identify stable formulations and communicate results to cross-functional R&D teams
• Manage team resources, timelines, and deliverables with a strong customer-focused mindset
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to team members as the functional manager
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment while engaging stakeholders across biologics discovery and technical development
• Partner with CMC teams to advance clinical candidates, finalize clinical formulations, and support drug product process development
• Develop stabilization strategies for liquid, frozen, and lyophilized drug product formats for clinical development
• Apply and interpret biophysical and analytical methods, including DSC, DLS, UV-Vis, turbidity, subvisible particle analysis, viscosity, SEC, and HIC
• Work with automation teams to implement high-throughput formulation screening and physicochemical characterization across discovery, optimization, and early development
• Operate analytical instrumentation, analyze data, maintain ELN documentation, and author technical reports
• Contribute to data interpretation, scientific presentations, and cross-functional discussions within the global BRC community

• PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing scientific teams
• Hands‑on expertise in protein formulations and assessment of biophysical properties of the molecule (e.g., DLS, Viscosity, Thermal and colloidal stability)
• Strong background in developing strategies for formulations for large-molecule therapeutics, with understanding of early-stage development workflows
• Experience designing and executing preformulation studies and interpreting stability‑indicating assays (e.g., SEC, CE, charge variants, MS)
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills, scientific curiosity, and ability to work independently
• Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills

• Knowledge of viral vector‑based gene therapy (AAV, LVV) formulation and characterization
• Familiarity with DoE tools (e.g., JMP) for high‑throughput experimental design
• Experience working with automated liquid handling systems

• The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal ScientistI, and between $119,700 and $222,300 per year for Principal Scientist II.
• 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…