Senior Scientist, Drug Discovery

Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite

Location:

San Diego, CA

This position is located on site in San Diego, CA and cannot be conducted remotely. Please only apply if this area is accessible.

Be part of a multidisciplinary team accelerating the discovery of transformative medicines. The Oncology Drug Discovery department at Novartis in San Diego is seeking a highly motivated lab-based research scientist to support drug discovery programs and interrogate cancer targets using induced proximity approaches.

In this role, you will contribute to a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in cancer biology and chemical biology. You will conduct cell-based and biochemical experiments to interrogate mechanism of action and define pathways of activity and resistance, supporting preclinical discovery efforts across oncology programs.

• Design, optimize, and execute experiments to characterize protein–protein interactions and interrogate therapeutic response
• Apply chemical and genetic perturbation approaches in cells and in vitro to evaluate small molecule on‑target and off‑target engagement and activities
• Troubleshoot experiments, implement new assays, and generate and analyze high-quality data to provide insights that inform project decisions
• Collaborate cross‑functionally across Novartis research teams and global sites
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of experimental data, analysis, and conclusions
• Present findings in team and departmental meetings
• Foster a collaborative and friendly research environment

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience in oncology or related research field
• Strong expertise in molecular biology techniques (e.g., vector design, mutagenesis, RT‑qPCR) and in mammalian cell culture and cell line engineering (e.g., transfections, viral transductions, CRISPR‑based approaches)
• Experience interrogating protein–protein interactions (e.g., pull‑down assays, co‑immunoprecipitation, western blotting)
• Prior drug development expertise and cross‑functional technology collaboration is NOT essential, and the role provides an excellent environment to build these and other skills
• Enjoys working in the lab and possesses excellent organizational and record‑keeping skills
• Demonstrated curiosity, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role

• Previous industry experience
• Experience with proteomics sample preparation and validation is a plus
• Experience with chromatin profiling techniques is a plus

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

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.

$93,800.00 - $

• Analytical Skill
• Analytical Skill
• Analytical Thinking
• Chemical Biology
• Chemistry
• Clinical Research
• Clinical Trials
• Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Curious Mindset
• Data
• Data Analysis
• Design Of Experiments
• Detail-Oriented
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Drug Discovery
• Ethics
• Gene Therapy
• Immunology
• Laboratory
• Lifesciences
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Medical Research
• Molecular Biology