Principal Scientist – Analytics Team Lead
Novartis
Summary
The Biologics Research Center (BRC) at Novartis BioMedical Research is looking for a motivated and highly experienced leader in field of Physical Chemistry Analytics (PCA) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to join BRC's Analytics, Bioanalytics and Formulation unit and help us develop a diverse portfolio of biotherapeutic modalities.
Job description
As a Team Lead for the analytics team, you will demonstrate a broad and in-depth knowledge of technologies in PCA and MS to evaluate the developability of various biologics modalities covered by BRC ranging from traditional antibodies to gene therapy viral vector, ensuring quality of material delivered and eventually enabling candidate selection. You will lead a team of up to 5 associates where you will be responsible for a continuously strong culture of team spirit and integrity, as well as providing development opportunities for associates on different levels.
Key responsibilities:
- Drive the analytics (PCA and MS) strategy in Cambridge, working globally in a matrix organization to support a diverse biologics pipeline (e.g. antibodies, fusion proteins, ADCs, bi- and trispecifics, AAVs, Lentiviruses) transitioning into clinical development
- Act as senior analytics expert in project teams ensuring optimal project support and high quality for all deliverables of your group
- Foster streamlined processes and optimal use of capacities as well as continued innovation, incorporating latest technologies and knowledge
- Effectively manage resources, project activities, timelines, maintain a strong customer focus and set respective objectives for your team
- Provide leadership and clear guidance to the team, optimally leveraging the expertise and experience of individuals
- Drive a culture of collaboration, integrity, and team development, and ensure a safe, empowering, and inspiring working environment
Essential Requirements:
- PhD degree or equivalent in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or a related field with 3+ years of related experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with 2+ years of experience as a people manager
- Strong scientific background in analysis of recombinant proteins (mAb, bi/tri-specific mAbs, therapeutic proteins) by techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and light scattering technologies
- Implementation and supervision of cutting-edge characterization of PCA techniques for analyzing novel biologics modalities, e.g. multispecific Abs, AAV, ADCs, oligonucleotides, CAR-T's. This entails the evaluation of novel instrumentation and the development of new applications to existing technologies such as dynamic light scattering, chromatography (SEC, HIC, IEX, RPC), MALS, capillary electrophoresis (cIEF, CZE, CE-SDS), and other advanced technologies
- Experience with modern LC-MS techniques (Intact/reduced/subunit RPMS, peptide mapping, released glycans), managing instrumentation (orbitraps, QTOFs) and modern hyphenated MS techniques (SEC-MS, CE-MS). Experience interpreting CDMS results for AAV analysis is beneficial, direct instrument experience not required
- Experience with data analysis workflows and report generation
- Proven ability to lead, coach and develop people
- Distinguished team spirit and scientific drive
- High flexibility combined with excellent organizational and communication skills
Requirements
- PhD degree or equivalent in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or a related field
- 3+ years of related experience in the pharmaceutical industry
- 2+ years of experience as a people manager
- Strong scientific background in analysis of recombinant proteins (mAb, bi/tri-specific mAbs, therapeutic proteins)
- Experience with mass spectrometry, chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and light scattering technologies
- Experience with modern LC-MS techniques (Intact/reduced/subunit RPMS, peptide mapping, released glycans)
- Experience managing instrumentation (orbitraps, QTOFs)
- Experience with hyphenated MS techniques (SEC-MS, CE-MS)
- Experience with data analysis workflows and report generation
- Proven ability to lead, coach and develop people
- Distinguished team spirit and scientific drive
- High flexibility combined with excellent organizational and communication skills
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Performance-based cash incentive
- Annual equity awards
- Paid time off
- Vacation
- Personal days
- Holidays
Company overview
Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, dedicated to reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As an innovative medicines company, Novartis focuses on developing high-value treatments that address society's greatest disease burdens through technology leadership in research and development. The company operates across five core therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases; immunology; neuroscience; oncology; and hematology. With a workforce of approximately 75,883 employees worldwide, Novartis reaches nearly 300 million patients across 118 countries. The company leverages advanced technology platforms including targeted protein degradation, cell therapy, gene therapy, radioligand therapy, and xRNA to develop breakthrough treatments. Novartis maintains a strong portfolio of oncology drugs and generics while continuously expanding its pipeline through strategic acquisitions and internal research. The company's commitment extends beyond drug development to ensuring global access to medical innovations through novel access approaches and patient assistance programs.