Principal Scientist, Early Pipeline Development
About The Position
Novartis is seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist I with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to develop downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV gene therapy. The role also carries out early-stage process development, focusing on the developability of AAV gene therapy lead candidates and new platform processes for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors. The position is onsite in San Diego, California. The Principal Scientist leads and manages a 3–5-person downstream process team, provides technical support and training, and contributes subject-matter expertise to employees’ professional development. The role collaborates with upstream process, analytical, Disease Area, and Technical Research & Development colleagues to support early drug discovery, process development, and transfer of manufacturing knowledge as pipeline programs advance toward clinical phases. The position requires a PhD in a relevant field, at least three years of relevant process development experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment, and people-management experience. Compensation is listed as $108,500–$201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I and $119,700–$222,300 per year for Principal Scientist II. Compensation includes a performance-based cash incentive, with potential eligibility for annual equity awards depending on role level. Eligible U.S.-based employees receive health, life, and disability benefits; a 401(k) with company contribution and match; and paid time off and other leaves.
Requirements
- PhD in bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, gene therapy, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of relevant process development experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment.
- Experience in people management.
- Knowledge of downstream purification processes, including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography.
- Hands-on experience with AKTA purification systems.
- Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thinking.
- Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, matrix environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in AAV gene therapy.
- Experience with viral gene therapy.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a 3–5-person downstream process team, providing technical support, training, and subject-matter expertise to support direct reports’ professional development.
- Coordinate activities with associates across upstream process and analytical teams.
- Develop strategies with Disease Areas and partner with line functions to support early drug discovery from target selection and validation through lead compound selection and developability assessment.
- Transfer manufacturing process knowledge as a subject-matter expert to the Technical Research & Development team and help advance pipeline programs into clinical phases.
- Collaborate with Technical Research & Development to develop innovative and cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
- Manage multiple project workflows to ensure timely delivery.
- Prepare written reports in accordance with defined documentation practices, including use of an electronic lab notebook.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Performance-based cash incentive.
- Depending on role level, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
- Health, life, and disability benefits for eligible U.S.-based employees.
- 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
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
