Senior Scientist I / II – Translational Immuno‑Oncology Research
About The Position
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Oncology Translational Research (OTR) department at Novartis Biomedical Research in Cambridge, MA. OTR is a global, laboratory-based research organization supporting the Oncology Disease Area from early target identification through proof-of-concept clinical trials and late-stage development. OTR plays a critical role in understanding target biology, therapeutic mechanisms of action, response and resistance mechanisms, biomarker strategy, indication selection and rational combination opportunities. We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Scientist I/II with demonstrated knowledge of cancer immunology and expertise in developing and executing assays that enable biomarker discovery and validation. This is a predominantly on-site, hands-on laboratory role supporting targeted-therapy programs in hematologic malignancies. The successful candidate will partner closely with project scientists to translate biological hypotheses into robust, decision-enabling experiments.
Requirements
- Senior Scientist I: Bachelor’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related discipline with 3+ years of relevant work experience.
- Senior Scientist II: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant biological discipline with 7+ years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a relevant biological discipline with 5+ years of relevant work experience.
- Advanced hands-on experience with multiparameter or spectral flow cytometry, including panel design, sample preparation, instrument operation, acquisition, quality control and data analysis.
- Demonstrated experience with primary human cell culture and immune-cell or tumor-biology assays, including sterile complex co-cultures and patient-derived blood or tissue material.
- Experience with intracellular cytokine staining and multiplex cytokine assays, such as MSD, to quantify pharmacodynamic responses in experimental models.
- Strong quantitative data-analysis and presentation skills using tools such as GraphPad Prism and Spotfire, with the ability to produce clear, decision-ready figures and reports.
- Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute rigorous experiments, troubleshoot complex assays and translate results into actionable recommendations.
- Excellent organization, collaboration and written and oral communication skills, including a consistent record of complete and contemporaneous ELN documentation.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with IncuCyte or a comparable real-time cell-analysis platform.
- Prior biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience supporting drug-discovery projects and working to project timelines and quality expectations.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, troubleshoot and optimize multiparameter/spectral flow-cytometry and complementary cell-based assays to characterize immune, stromal and tumor cell populations across hematologic malignancies and solid tumors and evaluate pharmacodynamic responses.
- Execute ex vivo studies using human primary cells, tumor cell lines and patient-derived blood and tissue samples, including complex co-cultures, with rigorous sterile technique.
- Develop fit-for-purpose readouts for proliferation and viability, apoptosis, differentiation, cytokine signaling, target engagement and mechanism of action.
- Analyze and integrate experimental data using appropriate statistical and visualization tools; communicate clear interpretations, limitations and recommended next experiments to multidisciplinary project teams.
- Independently plan and execute experiments aligned with project strategy, manage competing priorities and deliver reproducible data within agreed timelines.
- Maintain accurate, complete and contemporaneous experimental records in the electronic laboratory notebook and ensure traceability of methods, samples, analyses and conclusions.
- Introduce and qualify new laboratory methods when they materially improve project decisions, throughput or data quality.
- Contribute to publications and technical reports, train colleagues in established methods and collaborate effectively across functional teams.
Benefits
- Insurance plans
- Retirement plans
- Wellbeing resources
- Global recognition programs
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave
- Health benefits
- Life benefits
- Disability benefits
- 401(k) with company contribution and match
- Generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
