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

Novartis•Cambridge, MA

18d•$93,800 - $183,300•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Discovery Sciences team at Novartis BioMedical Research to advance translational preclinical models for drug discovery. This hands-on, collaborative role integrates stem cell biology, microphysiological systems (MPS), automated tissue culture, advanced imaging, and innovative technologies to build scalable, human-relevant models. The scientist translates biological protocols into reproducible, automation-ready processes, generates cellular models at scale, and provides project teams with reliable data and fit-for-purpose model systems. The role supports manual and large-scale automated tissue culture and advanced human model systems. The successful candidate operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and develops scalable workflows across automated tissue culture platforms, partnering with scientists to deliver consistent, well-characterized cell models. The work 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 is a plus.

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 data 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 media and reagents; and coordinate cell-production needs with project teams.