Principal Scientist, Structural Biologics

Job Description Summary

The Biologics Research Center, Structural Biologics department is looking for a highly motivated Principal Scientist to support experimental structural biology across multiple biotherapeutic programs. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience in all aspects of the gene‑to‑structure pipeline including the acquisition and interpretation of structural biology data from X‑ray crystallography and/or CryoEM. The candidate will be part of multidisciplinary teams that support early to late stage biotherapeutic drug discovery programs by providing structural data and protein engineering support.

They will use their experience in the gene‑to‑structure pipeline to address the challenges of high‑resolution structure determination to support the design of novel biotherapeutics capable of addressing the next generation of biomedical applications.

Internal

Job Title:

Principal Scientist I

Position Location:

San Diego, CA onsite

The Biologics Research Center, Structural Biologics department is looking for a highly motivated Principal Scientist to support experimental structural biology across multiple biotherapeutic programs. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience in all aspects of the gene‑to‑structure pipeline including the acquisition and interpretation of structural biology data from X‑ray crystallography and/or CryoEM. The candidate will be part of multidisciplinary teams that support early to late stage biotherapeutic drug discovery programs by providing structural data and protein engineering support.

They will use their experience in the gene‑to‑structure pipeline to address the challenges of high‑resolution structure determination to support the design and development of novel biotherapeutics.

• Design, troubleshoot and execute experiments to determine the structure of multi‑protein complexes by X‑ray crystallography or CryoEM with an aim to support the design and development of novel biotherapeutics.
• Work closely across experimental and computational groups to address key scientific questions.
• Communicate results to multidisciplinary teams across the larger Novartis research organization.
• Prioritize, coordinate and manage time efficiently for experimental deliverables.
• Mentor junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence. Contribute to overall strategy in the structural biology group.
• Maintain awareness of the external technology landscape and its application to biotherapeutic drug development.
• Participate as structural biology representative on drug discovery and technology project teams, contributing to overall project strategy with accountability within the project for own area of expertise.

• PhD degree in biophysics, biochemistry, or related discipline with a proven record in experimental structural biology.
• 3+ years experience (Postdoc or industry experience) in common protein purification methods (Affinity, IMAC, SEC) and molecular biology techniques (cloning, DNA isolation, transformation, etc.).
• Interest in using AI/ML methods in a structural biology context.
• Demonstrated independent thought/creativity in science with attention to details.
• Proven ability in structural biology methods (either X‑ray crystallography and/or CryoEM, both preferred) including protein crystallization, crystal optimization, CryoEM sample and grid preparation, data acquisition, map generation and structure solution.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving capability for challenging structural biology projects, with expertise in developing protocols for dealing with novel protein targets.
• High degree of self‑motivation and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Desire to learn/operate across numerous functions (expression, purification, analytics, structural biology, and computational modelling).

• Experience with using AI‑based techniques to facilitate protein construct design, engineering and protein structure prediction is preferred.
• Familiarity with analytical and biophysical methods (light scattering, ITC, DSC, LCMS, anSEC, etc.) and laboratory automation…