Associate Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture

Associate Scientist – Upstream Cell Culture

Location: Durham, USA Job Type: Onsite

The Technical Research & Development (TRD) Department drives the advancement of the Adeno‑associated virus (AAV) and Lentiviral vector (LVV) production platform across multiple development sites and manages the development, scale-up, scale-down, transfer, optimization, and characterization of processes for the clinical manufacturing of Novartis cell gene therapy products.

• Design and execute gene therapy upstream process development studies.
• Support early development and late‑stage process characterization and scaling‑up studies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data from process studies with a strong statistical mindset.
• Conduct laboratory studies to enhance AAV and LVV manufacturing technologies, capabilities, and processes (e.g., media development, bioreactor fed‑batch and perfusion process development, optimization, and scale‑up).
• Perform experiments at different scales to support pre‑clinical, clinical, and commercial programs.
• Assist the evaluation and introduction of new technologies.
• Author technical reports and present results of development studies both internally and externally.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional groups to coordinate studies.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Experience with bioreactor operation, including am  (15 & 250), bench‑top bioreactor, and pilot scale bioreactor.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis principles and software.
• Working knowledge and experience with Design of Experiment (DoE).
• Ability to analyze data to make date‑driven decisions and further develop strategies.
• Knowledge of viral gene therapy; prior experience with AAV process development is preferred.
• Excellent team player with good communication skills.

The salary is expected to range between $73,500.00 and $ USD per year. The final salary offered is determined based on relevant skills and experience and will be reviewed periodically.

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.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please email 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.