Principal Scientist I - Molecular Histology Scientist

Novartis•Cambridge, MA

1d•$114,100 - $211,900•Onsite

About The Position

Novartis is seeking a highly motivated, scientifically driven Principal Scientist I to join the Molecular Histology Laboratory within Preclinical Safety and Investigative Pathology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The role is a technical subject matter expert responsible for developing, optimizing, validating, and implementing advanced tissue-based assays that support preclinical toxicology, investigative pathology, translational research, and drug development programs. The position provides hands-on laboratory leadership in assay development and execution and collaborates with pathologists, laboratory scientists, and multidisciplinary project teams. It requires extensive expertise in molecular localization technologies, digital pathology, tissue-based biomarker assessment, immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, automated staining platforms, and image analysis technologies. The scientist will also help maintain laboratory quality, safety, documentation, data integrity, and sample traceability standards, and contribute to continuous improvement and adoption of emerging technologies. Compensation is expected to range from $114,100 to $211,900 per year, with a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on role level, eligibility for consideration for annual equity awards. Eligible US-based employees receive health, life, and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and time off including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related scientific discipline.
Eight or more years of directly relevant laboratory experience.
Extensive hands-on experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex IHC/immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization (ISH), and RNAscope or related RNA detection technologies.
Proven expertise in development, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting of tissue-based assays.
Strong experience with automated staining platforms, including Ventana ULTRA and/or Leica BOND systems.
Working knowledge of histology workflows, tissue processing, fixation methods, and sample preparation techniques.
Experience with whole-slide imaging systems, digital pathology platforms, and image analysis tools.
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data quality and scientific rigor.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting drug discovery, translational medicine, investigative pathology, or preclinical safety programs.
Experience working with rodent, non-human primate, and human tissues.
Experience with multiplex spatial biology technologies, spatial transcriptomics, or advanced tissue imaging approaches.
Experience with digital pathology image analysis software and quantitative image analysis workflows.
A demonstrated record of scientific publications, presentations, or technical contributions.

Responsibilities

Develop, optimize, validate, and implement tissue-based assays, including IHC, multiplex immunofluorescence, and ISH/RNAscope.
Evaluate antibodies, probes, controls, and assay strategies as a molecular histology subject matter expert to generate robust, reproducible, scientifically meaningful data.
Operate, maintain, and optimize automated staining platforms, including Ventana ULTRA and Leica BOND systems, and develop automated IHC and ISH workflows.
Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and establish assay performance and quality-control best practices.
Establish standardized protocols, acceptance criteria, troubleshooting guides, and assay performance metrics.
Use digital pathology workflows, including whole-slide imaging, image analysis, and data management in LIMS and electronic laboratory notebook platforms.
Maintain accurate, contemporaneous, traceable experimental records in approved electronic systems.
Partner with pathologists and multidisciplinary project teams, communicate clearly, and prepare study summaries, technical reports, presentations, and recommendations.
Contribute to continuous improvement and implement emerging technologies that enhance laboratory capabilities and scientific impact.
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality, documentation, and data integrity standards while maintaining sample traceability and study records.