Principal Scientist I - Molecular Histology Scientist
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 serves as a technical subject matter expert developing, optimizing, and implementing advanced tissue-based assays that support preclinical toxicology, investigative pathology, translational research, and drug development programs. The position combines hands-on laboratory leadership in assay development and execution with collaboration alongside pathologists, laboratory scientists, and multidisciplinary project teams. It requires deep expertise in molecular localization technologies, digital pathology, and tissue-based biomarker assessment, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex IHC, in situ hybridization (ISH/RNAscope), automated staining platforms, digital pathology workflows, and image analysis technologies.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related scientific discipline.
- At least 8 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 while contributing 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 immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization (ISH/RNAscope).
- Serve as a molecular histology subject matter expert by evaluating antibodies, probes, controls, and assay strategies to generate robust, reproducible, and scientifically meaningful data.
- Operate, maintain, and optimize automated staining platforms, including Ventana ULTRA and Leica BOND systems, and develop automated workflows for IHC and ISH assays.
- Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and establish best practices for assay performance and quality control.
- Establish standardized protocols, acceptance criteria, troubleshooting guides, and assay performance metrics.
- Use digital pathology workflows, including whole-slide imaging, image analysis, and data management using LIMS and electronic laboratory notebook (eLN) platforms.
- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous, and traceable experimental records in approved electronic systems.
- Partner with pathologists and multidisciplinary project teams, communicating clearly to support project objectives.
- Prepare study summaries, technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for project teams.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and implementation of 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.
Benefits
- Performance-based cash incentive.
- Depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
- Health, life, and disability benefits.
- 401(k) with company contribution and match.
- Vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
