Principal Scientist, Early Pipeline Development

Novartis • Annandale, NJ

5d • $108,500 - $222,300 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist I with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to develop state-of-the art downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV gene therapy. This role is also responsible for executing early-stage process development with the focus on developability of AAV gene therapy lead candidates as well as new platform process development for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors.

Requirements

• PhD in bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, gene therapy or a related field with 3+ years of relevant process development experience in biotechnology/ pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience in people management
• Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography with hands on experience with AKTA purification systems.
• Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts
• Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and matrix environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experiences in AAV gene therapy
• Experience with viral gene therapy

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a 3-5 person downstream process team and provide technical support, training, and SME knowledge to assist with the professional development of direct reports.
• Coordinate activities with associates across upstream process and analytical teams.
• Develop strategies in collaboration with Disease Areas and partner with various line functions to support early drug discovery from target selection and validation through lead compound selection and developability assessment.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to transfer manufacturing process knowledge to Technical Research & Development team and advance pipeline programs into clinical phases.
• Lead effort and work collaboratively with Technical Research & Development to develop innovative and cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
• Manage multiple project workflow to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare written reports conforming to defined documentation practices including electronic lab notebook.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• health
• life and disability benefits
• a 401(k) with company contribution and match
• a variety of other benefits
• a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree