Senior Scientist I/II, Hematology- Target Biology and Discovery

Novartis•Cambridge, MA

3d•$93,800 - $183,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Oncology Department at Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative laboratory scientist to join the Target Biology and Discovery group in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The role helps identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and advances early drug-discovery programs for hematologic cancers, particularly myeloid malignancies. It combines hands-on molecular and cellular biology with disease-relevant model systems to answer drug-discovery questions and generate insights that inform project strategy and investment decisions. The scientist will develop experimental strategies, conduct target-identification and validation studies, optimize cellular assays, and establish or use disease-relevant hematologic models. The role also involves integrating and communicating data, collaborating across multidisciplinary project teams, and maintaining good laboratory practices. The position is based onsite in Cambridge, MA and cannot be performed remotely. The hiring team will determine the final level and title based on skills, experience, and capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, cellular or molecular biology, or a related scientific discipline.
3–5 years of relevant laboratory experience.
Hands-on experience designing, executing, and interpreting molecular and cellular biology experiments.
Experience developing robust, reproducible cellular assays.
Strong proficiency in mammalian cell culture and molecular and protein-analysis methods, such as cloning, qPCR, western blotting, and multiparameter flow cytometry.
Ability to independently translate scientific questions into well-controlled experimental plans, troubleshoot technical challenges, and communicate decision-enabling conclusions.
Strong scientific communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and apply new techniques.

Nice To Haves

Experience with primary hematopoietic, immune, or patient-derived samples.
Experience with CRISPR-based functional genomics or genome-editing approaches.
Experience with medium- or high-throughput screening or profiling.
Previous experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or translational research environments.
Familiarity with hematologic malignancies, particularly AML or MDS.

Responsibilities

Identify critical drug-discovery questions and independently develop creative experimental strategies.
Conduct studies supporting novel target identification, target validation, and mechanism-of-action research in hematologic malignancies such as AML/MDS, using approaches including CRISPR-based perturbation, gene knockdown or overexpression, and chemical probes.
Develop and optimize cellular assays to support early therapeutic development or deep mechanistic studies, using methods such as western blotting, qPCR, imaging, and cellular phenotyping as appropriate.
Establish and use disease-relevant hematologic models, including primary patient-derived or healthy hematopoietic samples and tissues, cancer cell lines, and engineered cellular systems.
Collaborate in a matrixed, multidisciplinary environment to develop project strategy, prioritize hypotheses, and adapt plans as data emerge.
Analyze and integrate datasets; communicate experimental results and recommendations; and contribute to project-team discussions and departmental presentations.
Maintain good laboratory practices in laboratory safety, execution, and documentation.