Principal Scientist, Structural Biology

Novartis • San Diego, CA

2d • $108,500 - $222,300 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Scientist with deep expertise in Structural Biology to join our team in San Diego, CA. This is a highly collaborative and hands-on role spanning end-to-end workflows from protein construct design and protein production through high-resolution structure determination, contributing directly to drug discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas. At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine through scientific excellence and innovation. Within the Discovery Sciences organization, the Protein Sciences group plays a pivotal role in advancing early-stage drug discovery by enabling deep structural and functional insights into therapeutic targets. Structural Biology is a cornerstone capability, enabling structure-guided drug discovery for some of the most challenging and high-impact targets in medicine. This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class structural biology team within one of the largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, highly skilled and collaborative colleagues, and the chance to make meaningful contributions to the discovery and development of life-changing medicines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field with over 5 years of relevant experience in X-ray crystallography within either industrial or academic settings
• Demonstrated expertise in protein expression across E. coli, insect, and mammalian expression systems, as well as extensive experience in protein purification and characterization
• Proven track record in application of X-ray crystallography to characterize protein-ligand and protein-protein complexes, including crystallization screening and optimization, data processing, structure refinement and analysis.
• Outstanding communication skills, strong ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, and ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of AI/ML tools for structural biology
• Experience with biochemical assays and biophysical methods
• Experience with Cryo-EM is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute protein production and X-ray crystallography to elucidate protein-small molecule, protein-peptide, and/or protein-protein interactions, supporting drug discovery initiatives
• Successfully drive gene-to-structural small molecule drug discovery projects
• Leverage knowledge in protein production and structural biology to characterize structure-function relationships, investigate novel mechanisms of action, and address complex scientific questions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including protein scientists, biophysicists, chemists, and computational modelers, to facilitate structure-based drug design
• Advance our initiatives and drug discovery programs by leveraging innovative approaches, such as applications of AI.

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