ADME Scientist, Antibody–Oligonucleotide Conjugates (Principal Scientist I​/II

Band Level 4

Job Description Summary #LI-Onsite,

Location:

San Diego, California Novartis is seeking a highly motivated ADME scientist for a laboratory-based role supporting the discovery and early development of antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates, including antibody‑siRNA and antibody‑PMO modalities. The successful candidate will bring hands‑on experimental expertise in biotransformation, biological sample preparation, immunoprecipitation/affinity capture, LC‑MS-based characterization, and in vitro/in vivo ADME workflows to enable data‑driven candidate selection and translational decision‑making.

This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered.

• Develop and execute fit‑for‑purpose ADME and biotransformation workflows for antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates in biological matrices.
• Apply immunoprecipitation and affinity‑capture methods to enrich antibody‑conjugated species from plasma, tissue, and cellular samples.
• Use LC‑MS/MS and high‑resolution MS approaches to assess conjugate integrity, stability, biotransformation, and tissue biodistribution.
• Independently design, troubleshoot, and interpret in‑vitro and in‑vivo studies linking laboratory findings to PK/PD and candidate selection decisions.
• Provide ADME input to project strategy and translational decision‑making in collaboration with discovery and development teams.
• Prepare clear study plans, technical reports, project summaries, regulatory content, and internal scientific presentations.
• Resolve assay and workflow challenges through practical solutions that improve data quality, throughput, and scientific impact.
• Ensure high standards of laboratory documentation, data integrity, safety, and compliance with Novartis procedures.

• PhD, MSc, or BSc in pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline, with relevant industry experience in ADME, DMPK, biotransformation, or biologics/new modality research.
• Demonstrated hands‑on laboratory experience with immunoprecipitation, affinity capture, biological sample preparation, and LC‑MS/MS or HRMS‑based workflows is required.
• Strong understanding of ADME principles and their application to new modalities, including oligonucleotides, antibody conjugates, biologics, or other complex therapeutics.
• Experience developing or executing LC‑MS/MS or HRMS‑based methods to characterize metabolic stability, biotransformation, and molecular fate of antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional, matrixed project environment and communicate complex scientific data clearly to project teams.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, scientific rigor, and ability to manage multiple studies and priorities.
• Fluent oral and written English.

• Experience with antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates, antibody‑siRNA conjugates, antibody‑drug conjugates, therapeutic proteins, or other targeted delivery platforms.
• Knowledge of oligonucleotide metabolism, nuclease‑mediated degradation, linker stability, conjugate heterogeneity, and tissue distribution challenges.
• Experience with biological sample preparation from plasma, tissue homogenates, cells, or subcellular fractions.
• Familiarity with ligand‑binding assays, hybridization‑based assays, ligand capture LC‑MS workflows, proteomics, or intact/protein‑level mass spectrometry.
• Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling, assay miniaturization, or higher‑throughput sample preparation.
• Experience contributing to IND/IMPD‑enabling packages, regulatory documentation, or project transition reports.

The salary for this position is expected to range between:
Principal Scientist I: $108,500 and $201,500 per year. Principal Scientist II: $119,700 and $222,300 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining…