Principal Scientist I/II – Hematopoietic Stem Cell & RBC Biology

Novartis

2d • $108,500 - $208,500 • Onsite

About The Position

At Novartis, our mission is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist I/II with expertise in sickle cell disease biology, red blood cell physiology, and/or hematopoietic stem cell biology to join our collaborative In Vivo Biology & Pharmacology team. In this role, you will contribute to research programs focused on sickle cell disease while gaining broad exposure to target discovery, pharmacology, translational science, and therapeutic development. Working within a highly collaborative in vivo biology and pharmacology group, you will also have opportunities to support programs across multiple disease areas and therapeutic modalities. This position is well suited for scientists who have recently completed a PhD and/or postdoctoral training, or who are early in their industry careers and eager to apply their disease biology expertise in a dynamic drug discovery environment. The role offers significant opportunities for scientific growth, leadership development, and future people-management responsibilities.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Virology, Biophysics, Pharmacology, or a related biological science discipline.
• Deep expertise in sickle cell disease, red blood cell physiology, and/or hematopoietic stem cell biology, with a strong understanding of hemoglobinopathies.
• Strong data interpretation, critical thinking, and scientific communication skills.
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and advance scientific questions, as evidenced by high-quality publications, patents, presentations, and/or drug discovery contributions.
• Demonstrated behaviors aligned with Novartis Values & Behaviors: Inspired, Curious, Unbossed, and Integrity.

Nice To Haves

• Early-career scientists are encouraged to apply, including recent PhD graduates and postdoctoral fellows seeking to transition into or expand their experience in drug discovery.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and matrixed environments.
• Experience contributing to therapeutic programs from target identification and validation through lead generation and/or early development.
• Expertise in assay development utilizing in vitro, ex vivo, and/or in vivo systems.
• Prior experience with high-dimensional flow cytometry, including panel design, execution, and data analysis, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Apply expertise in sickle cell disease, hematopoietic stem cell biology, and RBC pathophysiology to support Global Health research initiatives.
• Design, execute, and interpret high-quality biological experiments that inform target discovery, validation, and early drug discovery.
• Translate biological insights into actionable hypotheses and therapeutic concepts in collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Take on increasing scientific leadership responsibilities, including mentoring junior scientists and contributing to team development, with opportunities for future people-management growth.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture aligned with Novartis Values & Behaviors.
• Contribute to project discussions, data reviews, and decision making in a matrixed Biomedical Research environment.
• Maintain awareness of external scientific advances and contribute to publications or scientific exchanges as appropriate.
• Ensure all work is conducted to the highest standards of scientific rigor, data integrity, safety, and compliance.

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
• performance-based cash incentive
• eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards

What This Job Offers

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