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.

Job Description Internal

Job Title:

Principal Scientist I/II

Position Location:

Cambridge, MA, onsite

Job description

The Biologics Center at Novartis Biomedical Research (BRC) is seeking a highly motivated leader and experienced scientist in biologics formulation to join the Analytics, Bioanalytic, and Formulation (ABF) unit. In this role, you will contribute to the development of a diverse portfolio of biotherapeutic modalities.

The ABF unit supports the characterization and formulation of therapeutic protein candidates across multiple formats, spanning discovery through transition to development. Our multidisciplinary team brings deep expertise in physicochemical characterization, mass spectrometry, and formulation sciences within a collaborative, global environment.

Role Overview As a Principal Scientist, you will lead and execute formulation development and characterization strategies for complex biologics—including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 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.

Key responsibilities:

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 HICWork 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

Essential Requirements:
PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of…