Senior Scientist I/II, Hematology- Target Biology and Discovery
About The Position
Novartis Biomedical Research’s Oncology Department is seeking a motivated, collaborative laboratory scientist for its Target Biology and Discovery group in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The position is onsite and cannot be located remotely. The scientist will help identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and advance early drug-discovery programs for hematologic cancers, particularly myeloid malignancies. The role combines hands-on molecular and cellular biology with disease-relevant model systems to address drug-discovery questions and generate insights that inform project strategy and investment decisions. The successful candidate will independently develop experimental strategies, conduct target-identification, target-validation, and mechanism-of-action studies, and develop or optimize cellular assays. The work includes establishing and using relevant hematologic models and analyzing and communicating data. The scientist will collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams, adapt plans as evidence emerges, and maintain good practices in laboratory safety, execution, and documentation. The final level and title—Senior Scientist I or Senior Scientist II—will be determined by the hiring team 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 and MDS, using molecular and cellular approaches including CRISPR-based perturbation, gene knockdown or overexpression, and chemical probes.
- Develop and optimize cellular assays for early therapeutic development or in-depth mechanistic studies, using techniques 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 results and recommendations; and contribute to project-team discussions and departmental presentations.
- Maintain good laboratory practices in laboratory safety, execution, and documentation.
Benefits
- Performance-based cash incentive.
- Depending on role level, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
- Comprehensive benefits package for eligible US-based employees, including health, life, and disability benefits.
- 401(k) with company contribution and match.
- 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
