Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist
Novartis
Summary
Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist (Level 4) to conduct bench research in a laboratory focused on preclinical and clinical biomarker assay development within Disease Area X (DAx). This position is integral to designing, developing, and qualifying biomarker assays that support drug discovery and development programs across DAx's diverse portfolio, including renal, liver, fibrosis, and exploratory indications. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a matrixed team and contribute technical expertise to translational strategies that enable patient stratification and clinical impact.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and qualify preclinical and clinical biomarker assays (cellular, soluble, proteomic, genetic, and genomic) to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification for DAx programs.
- Bring deep technical and strategic expertise in designing, developing, optimizing, and clinically implementing ligand binding assays (e.g. ELISA, MSD, immunoassays), ensuring analytical rigor, robustness, and 'fit-for-purpose' performance expectations and technical assessment standards.
- Execute laboratory-based research, including hands-on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.
- Collaborate with Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, and DAx project teams to align assay strategies with DAx therapeutic area priorities.
- Support the implementation of biomarker assays in preclinical and clinical studies, including documentation and reporting of results.
- Maintain exemplary laboratory practices, including accurate record keeping and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines.
- Present research findings in lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications and internal reports.
Essential Requirements
- PhD or MD, Postdoctoral Fellowship preferred, with 4+ years' experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field, or BS/MS with 8+ years' experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field.
- Hands-on experience with designing and executing LBA assays.
- Demonstrated experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics, or related fields within pharma or biotech.
- Demonstrated expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation for preclinical and/or clinical studies across various animal and human matrices.
- Proven skill in independently developing and executing biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery.
- Innovative and critical thinking, with a track record of scientific impact and continuous improvement.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability in laboratory research.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience with multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches, especially as applied to renal, liver, fibrosis, or exploratory disease areas.
- Familiarity with animal models and ex vivo assays is a plus.
- Hands-on experience with RNA assays and/or LC-MS based biomarker or assay quantification an added plus.
- Knowledge of statistics and computational data analysis is desirable.
- Experience working with CROs or external vendors to support assay development, biomarker studies or analytical deliverables.
Requirements
- PhD or MD with 4+ years' experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field, or BS/MS with 8+ years' experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field
- Hands-on experience with designing and executing LBA assays
- Demonstrated experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics, or related fields within pharma or biotech
- Demonstrated expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation for preclinical and/or clinical studies across various animal and human matrices
- Proven skill in independently developing and executing biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery
- Innovative and critical thinking, with a track record of scientific impact and continuous improvement
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability in laboratory research
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.