Research Scientist – Bioanalytics

Novartis • Cambridge, MA

7d • $81,200 - $150,800 • Onsite

About The Position

The Biologics Research Center (BRC) discovers and develops biologic therapeutics to treat unmet medical needs in all of Novartis’s disease areas – ranging from oncology, to autoimmune disease, to respiratory diseases and cardiovascular disease. The Biologics group in BRC works with other Novartis scientists to characterize and identify lead molecules as biotherapeutic drugs candidates. We use a range of technologies and approaches to evaluate recombinant protein and cell binding, epitope binning, functional activity to extensively characterize and identify lead molecules. We are looking for a collaborative, inquisitive scientist with an interest and some experience in biologics discovery to join our team. For this position, direct experience in antibody characterization by surface plasmon resonance (e.g., Biacore) is preferred. Additional background in binding characterization using other approaches (e.g., Fortebio, Kinexa, flow cytometry, LigandTracer) and functional assay development (e.g., ELISA) are also relevant. As a member of the Bioanalytics team, you must become proficient in developing Biacore methods to address project objectives. Eventually you will independently analyze and interpret Biacore data with the ability to draw own conclusions in alignment with project initiatives and generate own hypotheses to test, troubleshoot and execute the next set of experiments will some input from senior lab members. In addition, you will train and become proficient in mammalian cell culture and cellular binding technologies to characterize antibody molecules binding to cells (e.g. Kinexa, LigandTracer). You will serve on research teams where your data needs to be clearly compiled in a slide deck and effectively presented to the team.

Requirements

• MS (within last 2 years) in a scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry or pharmacology or appropriate area; or BS and 2+ years relevant experience in drug discovery or other related laboratory research
• Familiarity with cell/molecular biology techniques
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Distinguished team spirit and scientific drive
• High flexibility combined with excellent organizational and communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and/or cellular binding technologies
• Direct experience in antibody characterization by surface plasmon resonance (e.g., Biacore)
• Additional background in binding characterization using other approaches (e.g., Fortebio, Kinexa, flow cytometry, LigandTracer)
• Functional assay development (e.g., ELISA)

Responsibilities

• Provides data analysis to interpret own experiments across various binding and functional assays - assesses whether experimental hypothesis was appropriately tested and answered
• Demonstrate awareness of other departmental activities related to assigned projects
• Operate in an interdisciplinary setting requiring a high degree of collaboration within and across teams with training of junior associates as needed
• Present research and participate constructively in working project teams and at lab meetings
• Develop SPR methods and generate binding reports to communicate findings to research teams (SPR, Carterra)
• Maintain cell cultures and perform cellular binding experiments (FACS, KinExA, LigandTracer)
• Perform plate-based binding and functional assays (ex: ELISA, MSD, AlphaScreen)

Benefits

• health, life and disability benefits
• a 401(k) with company contribution and match
• a variety of other benefits
• generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves
• performance-based cash incentive
• eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree