Principal Scientist, Structural Biology

We are seeking a Principal Scientist with deep expertise in Structural Biology to join our team in San Diego, CA. This highly collaborative, hands‑on role spans end‑to‑end workflows from protein construct design and protein production to high‑resolution structure determination, directly supporting drug discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas.

Within Novartis’ Discovery Sciences organization, the Protein Sciences group plays a pivotal role in advancing early‑stage drug discovery by enabling deep structural and functional insights into therapeutic targets. Structure‑guided drug discovery for some of the most challenging targets is a cornerstone capability of this team.

• Lead and execute protein production and X‑ray crystallography to elucidate protein–small molecule, protein–peptide, and protein–protein interactions, supporting drug discovery initiatives.
• Drive gene‑to‑structural small‑molecule drug discovery projects, leveraging biochemical and biophysical expertise.
• Characterize structure‑function relationships, investigate novel mechanisms of action, and address complex scientific questions through structural biology.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams – protein scientists, biophysicists, chemists, and computational modelers – to facilitate structure‑based drug design.
• Advance initiatives and drug discovery programs with innovative approaches, including the application of AI.

• Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field with over five years of experience in X‑ray crystallography in industrial or academic settings.
• Extensive expertise in protein expression across
  
  E. coli, insect, and mammalian systems, and in protein purification and characterization.
• Proven track record in applying X‑ray crystallography to characterize protein‑ligand and protein‑protein complexes, including crystallization screening, data processing, structure refinement, and analysis.
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams in a fast‑paced, goal‑driven environment.

• Understanding of AI/ML tools for structural biology.
• Experience with biochemical assays and biophysical methods.
• Familiarity with cryo‑EM (plus).

Salary ranges are:
Principal Scientist I – $108,500 – $201,500 per year;
Principal Scientist II – $119,700 – $222,300 per year. Final salary is determined by relevant skills and experience and will be reviewed upon joining.

US‑based eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life, and disability protection, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Generous time‑off packages (vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves) are also included.

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 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.