Senior Scientist, Translational Preclinical Models, MPS Automated Cell Culture & Innovation

Novartis • Cambridge, MA

18d • $93,800 - $183,300 • Onsite

About The Position

Novartis BioMedical Research’s Discovery Sciences department seeks a Senior Scientist I/II to advance translational preclinical models for drug discovery. This hands-on, collaborative role combines stem cell biology, microphysiological systems (MPS), automated tissue culture, advanced imaging, and innovative technologies to build scalable, human-relevant models. The scientist will translate biological protocols into reproducible, automation-ready processes, produce high-quality cellular models at scale, and provide project teams with reliable data and fit-for-purpose model systems.

The successful candidate will support manual and large-scale automated tissue culture and advanced human model systems. They will operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and develop scalable workflows across automated tissue culture platforms, partnering with scientists to deliver consistent, well-characterized cell models. The role spans cell biology, laboratory automation and scheduling software, microscopy, image analysis, and experimental data interpretation. The position is based onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts; relocation support is not available.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related discipline, with 4+ years of relevant post-graduate experience; recent PhD graduates (within the last 2 years) with relevant experience will also be considered.
• Hands-on experience maintaining mammalian cell cultures, including human cancer cell lines and/or iPSCs, with strong aseptic technique and cell-quality practices.
• Experience executing cell culture or differentiation workflows with attention to reproducibility, scheduling, documentation, and experimental quality.
• Experience designing, building, deploying, operating, or troubleshooting automated laboratory workflows in life science or clinical laboratory settings.
• Working knowledge of microscopy, image-based monitoring, and quantitative data analysis for cellular models.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot effectively, and collaborate across project teams and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with HighRes BioSolutions/Cellario robotic platforms, CellTrio RoboCell, Sartorius CompacT, liquid handlers, bulk dispensers, and associated laboratory automation software.
• Experience with phenotypic screening, advanced microscopy, image-analysis tools, and data platforms such as Genedata Screener or Spotfire.
• Exposure to AI-enabled analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, expand, cryopreserve, and characterize human pluripotent stem cell lines, including iPSC and hESC cultures.
• Execute multiple stem cell differentiation protocols in parallel while maintaining schedules, traceable documentation, and quality standards.
• Perform large-scale iPSC culture in a controlled laboratory environment using automated liquid-handling platforms and high-throughput robotic systems.
• Program, operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated tissue culture platforms, including flask-based CellTrio systems and plate-based HighRes Biosolutions systems.
• Develop and apply microscopy and image-analysis workflows to monitor cell health and support data-driven, real-time decisions on automated platforms.
• Establish, maintain, and operate microphysiological systems, organ-on-chip models, and advanced 3D tissue culture platforms, including routine monitoring, functional assessment, and documentation.
• Design, execute, and optimize MPS-based studies with cross-functional scientists to improve experimental quality, reproducibility, and translational relevance.
• Perform imaging, functional characterization, and data analysis to evaluate model performance and support drug discovery and translational research programs.
• Create and improve SOPs, maintenance manuals, and start-up procedures; train users; prepare required media and reagents; and coordinate cell-production needs with project teams.

Benefits

• Performance-based cash incentive.
• Depending on role level, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
• Health, life, and disability benefits.
• 401(k) with company contribution and match.
• A variety of other benefits.
• Generous time-off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior