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 advanced downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV gene therapy. The role also executes early-stage process development focused on assessing the developability of AAV gene therapy lead candidates and developing platform processes for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors. This onsite position in San Diego, California, leads a 3–5-person downstream process team and provides technical support, training, and subject matter expertise. The Principal Scientist collaborates with upstream process, analytical, Disease Area, and Technical Research & Development teams to support early drug discovery, advance pipeline programs toward clinical phases, and develop innovative, cost-effective downstream processes. The role also manages project workflows and prepares reports according to documentation practices, including use of an electronic lab notebook.
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 organization 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, subject matter expertise, and professional development for direct reports.
- 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 to the Technical Research & Development team as a subject matter expert, supporting pipeline programs advancing 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 maintaining 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 US-based employees.
- 401(k) with company contribution and match.
- Other employee benefits.
- Vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
