Principal Scientist I, Soluble Biomarkers- Molecular & Cellular Sciences (MCS)
About The Position
We are seeking a motivated soluble biomarker expert to lead the development, validation, and implementation of fit-for-purpose soluble biomarker assays, with a focus on immunoassay and LC-MS based methods supporting neuromuscular and muscle disease clinical programs within the Biomarker Development (BMD) Molecular & Cellular Sciences group. This role requires strong hands-on assay development and validation expertise, scientific leadership, and the ability to translate disease biology and program needs into robust biomarker assay strategies that inform clinical decision-making. As a key member of the soluble biomarker group, you will collaborate across BMD and external partner labs to ensure high-quality and timely assay delivery, clear data interpretation, rigorous documentation, and compliance with Novartis standards.
Requirements
- PhD with 2+ years of experience in drug discovery, translational research, or related field; or Master’s degree with 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/ biotech industry.
- Strong hands-on experience developing, optimizing, validating, and troubleshooting immunoassays (ELISA, MSD, Luminex, Simoa) and LC-MS methods of varying complexity for soluble biomarkers.
- Experience with tissue biopsies, particularly muscle tissue, and associated assays or workflows such as IHC/IF, tissue collection, processing, and sample handling best practices.
- Solid experience supporting neuromuscular, muscle, or related disease biology programs, with the ability to connect assay strategy with the biomarker plan.
- Demonstrated ability to design rigorous experiments, solve complex technical problems, assess assay performance, and communicate conclusions clearly to scientific and non-scientific stakeholders.
- Experience working in cross-functional project teams and managing internal or external assay development activities, timelines, deliverables, and scientific documentation.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present scientific strategy, data, risks, and recommendations clearly.
- Commitment to working collaboratively in an inclusive environment and role-modeling Novartis values and behaviors.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, or other multi-omics approaches, including RNA-seq or related platforms.
- Strong understanding of circulating muscle proteins, including structural and functional biomarkers relevant to muscle disease biology.
Responsibilities
- Develop, validate, and implement immunoassay- and LC-MS–based methods to quantify exploratory soluble biomarkers for clinical programs across the Novartis portfolio, with a primary focus on neuromuscular and muscle disease programs.
- Apply hands-on assay development expertise to build robust, fit-for-purpose biomarker methods that support clinical decision-making and advance translational science objectives.
- Serve as the scientific and technical lead for exploratory soluble biomarker assays, including assay strategy, data quality, interpretation, documentation, and alignment to context of use and clinical study endpoints.
- Translate disease biology and program needs into clear biomarker assay plans in partnership with project teams, Translational Medicine, Clinical, Data Science, and external collaborators.
- Evaluate and implement innovative assay technologies and workflows to improve assay sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, throughput, and biological relevance for neuromuscular indications.
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate biomarker and assay data to key stakeholders, project teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to support timely, evidence-based decisions.
- Partner with internal line functions and external vendors to deliver high-quality fit-for-purpose biomarker assays, and sample analysis activities within agreed timelines.
- Maintain high standards for scientific rigor, documentation, data integrity, compliance, safety, and technical excellence in accordance with applicable Novartis policies and procedures.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
