Principal Scientist , Oncology Pharmacology

Job Title

Principal Scientist I, Oncology Pharmacology

San Diego, United States

This role is based in San Diego, United States. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Imagine being at the forefront of breakthrough oncology research, where your work directly shapes the next generation of cancer therapies. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing innovative drug candidates by developing and applying cutting‑edge in vivo pharmacology approaches. Working within a dynamic and highly collaborative research environment, you will contribute to the design and execution of preclinical studies, generating critical data that drives decision‑making and accelerates the journey of new treatments toward patients.

This is an opportunity to combine scientific expertise with real‑world impact—helping reimagine medicine for people living with cancer.

• Design, execute, and analyze in vivo and ex vivo pharmacology studies for oncology drug development
• Develop and utilize preclinical tumor models to evaluate efficacy and safety of novel therapies
• Perform animal handling procedures, including dosing, tumor measurement, and tissue and blood collection
• Apply cellular and biochemical assays to interpret pharmacodynamic responses and support study outcomes
• Ensure accurate data recording, documentation, and adherence to good laboratory practices
• Present scientific findings clearly in team, department, and cross‑functional project meetings
• Collaborate effectively within a matrixed research environment to advance oncology programs

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, or a related life science discipline
• Strong hands‑on experience with rodent handling and in vivo pharmacology techniques, including multiple dosing routes
• Proven experience with preclinical oncology models and development of in vivo tumor models
• Proficiency in cell culture techniques, including cell maintenance, passaging, and harvesting
• Ability to design, execute, and interpret pharmacology studies with strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Effective collaboration, communication, and multitasking skills within a fast‑paced, matrixed research environment

• Hands‑on experience with advanced ex vivo pharmacodynamic assays, including flow cytometry, enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay, or polymerase chain reaction
• Experience using data analysis and visualization tools such as Graph Pad Prism for pharmacology data interpretation

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800. USD Annual 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.

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 [email protected] or call  and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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