Principal Scientist - Formulation
Novartis
Summary
As a Principal Scientist, you will lead and execute formulation development and characterization strategies for complex biologics—including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), multispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other modalities. You will work closely with a team of more than 10 associates, driving scientific excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation aligned with Novartis values. You will play a key role in shaping formulation strategies during early-stage development and supporting candidate selection by identifying developability risks.
Job description
Role Overview
As a Principal Scientist, you will lead and execute formulation development and characterization strategies for complex biologics—including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), multispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other modalities. You will work closely with a team of more than 10 associates, driving scientific excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation aligned with Novartis values. You will play a key role in shaping formulation strategies during early-stage development and supporting candidate selection by identifying developability risks.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute formulation screening strategies for large-molecule therapeutics, with emphasis on mAbs and related biologic modalities
- Lead studies to identify stable formulations and communicate results to cross-functional R&D teams
- Manage team resources, timelines, and deliverables with a strong customer-focused mindset
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to team members as the functional manager
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment while engaging stakeholders across biologics discovery and technical development
- Partner with CMC teams to advance clinical candidates, finalize clinical formulations, and support drug product process development
- Develop stabilization strategies for liquid, frozen, and lyophilized drug product formats for clinical development
- Apply and interpret biophysical and analytical methods, including DSC, DLS, UV-Vis, turbidity, subvisible particle analysis, viscosity, SEC, and HIC
- Work with automation teams to implement high-throughput formulation screening and physicochemical characterization across discovery, optimization, and early development
- Operate analytical instrumentation, analyze data, maintain ELN documentation, and author technical reports
- Contribute to data interpretation, scientific presentations, and cross-functional discussions within the global BRC community
Essential Requirements
- PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
- Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing scientific teams
- Hands-on expertise in protein formulations and assessment of biophysical properties of the molecule (e.g., DLS, Viscosity, Thermal and colloidal stability)
- Strong background in developing strategies for formulations for large-molecule therapeutics, with understanding of early-stage development workflows
- Experience designing and executing preformulation studies and interpreting stability-indicating assays (e.g., SEC, CE, charge variants, MS)
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills, scientific curiosity, and ability to work independently
- Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills
Desirable Requirements
- Knowledge of viral vector-based gene therapy (AAV, LVV) formulation and characterization
- Familiarity with DoE tools (e.g., JMP) for high-throughput experimental design
- Experience working with automated liquid handling systems
Requirements
- PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field
- 2+ years of relevant industry experience
- Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing scientific teams
- Hands-on expertise in protein formulations and assessment of biophysical properties (e.g., DLS, Viscosity, Thermal and colloidal stability)
- Strong background in developing strategies for formulations for large-molecule therapeutics
- Experience designing and executing preformulation studies and interpreting stability-indicating assays (e.g., SEC, CE, charge variants, MS)
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills, scientific curiosity, and ability to work independently
- Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills
- Knowledge of viral vector-based gene therapy (AAV, LVV) formulation and characterization
- Familiarity with DoE tools (e.g., JMP) for high-throughput experimental design
- Experience working with automated liquid handling systems
Benefits
- Performance-Based Cash Incentive
- Annual Equity Awards Eligibility
- Health Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Disability Benefits
- 401(k) With Company Contribution and Match
- Vacation
- Personal Days
- Holidays
- Other Leaves
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.