Principal Scientist, Early Pipeline Development

Principal Scientist I/II

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist I with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to develop state-of-the art downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV gene therapy. This role is also responsible for executing early-stage process development with the focus on develop ability of AAV gene therapy lead candidates as well as new platform process development for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors.

Position Location:

Onsite, San Diego, CA

• Lead and manage a 3-5 person downstream process team and provide technical support, training, and SME knowledge to assist with the professional development of direct reports.
• Coordinate activities with associates across upstream process and analytical teams.
• Develop strategies in collaboration with Disease Areas and partner with various line functions to support early drug discovery from target selection and validation through lead compound selection and develop ability assessment.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to transfer manufacturing process knowledge to Technical Research & Development team and advance pipeline programs into clinical phases.
• Lead effort and work collaboratively with Technical Research & Development to develop innovative and cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
• Manage multiple project workflow to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare written reports conforming to defined documentation practices including electronic lab notebook.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• PhD in bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, gene therapy or a related field with 3+ years of relevant process development experience in biotechnology/ pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience in people management
• Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography with hands on experience with AKTA purification systems.
• Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts
• Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and matrix environment.

• Experiences in AAV gene therapy
• Experience with viral gene therapy

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, 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 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.

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, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonab or call  and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired:
Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Python (Programming Language), Science