Senior Principal Scientist, Translational Profiling Imaging
Novartis
Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic, innovative, and highly motivated scientist to join the Translational Profiling group within Discovery Sciences in Cambridge, MA. As a Senior Principal Scientist / Associate Director, you will provide scientific leadership at the intersection of biology and advanced imaging-based platform innovation. You will lead and mentor a matrix team of scientists while remaining active at the bench, engaged in experimental design, assay development, and data interpretation.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and application of innovative translational biology, imaging, and profiling strategies to address critical questions across the drug discovery pipeline.
- Design, develop, and implement novel assays and integrated workflows leveraging imaging, spatial biology, proteomics, and complementary technologies.
- Maintain an active hands-on scientific presence through experimental design, assay development, troubleshooting, and interpretation of complex datasets.
- Generate biological insights into disease mechanisms, therapeutic mechanisms of action, tissue targeting, pharmacology, and translational biomarkers.
- Lead cross-functional matrix teams and collaborate closely with project teams, platform scientists, and disease-area researchers to drive impactful scientific outcomes.
- Shape the strategy and evolution of imaging, spatial biology, and translational profiling capabilities, identifying opportunities for innovation and capability expansion.
- Establish and manage external collaborations to evaluate and implement emerging technologies that strengthen research capabilities.
- Mentor and develop scientists, fostering scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
- Communicate scientific findings and strategic recommendations to project teams, research leaders, and senior stakeholders.
Essential Requirements
- Ph.D. in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or a related life sciences discipline, with 7+ years of postgraduate experience driving innovative research in a drug discovery setting.
- Strong expertise in experimental biology, including cellular and tissue-based models, with hands on experience in confocal, super resolution, and other advanced microscopy approaches.
- Proven track record of applying imaging and translational biology approaches to investigate disease mechanisms, therapeutic mechanisms of action, target biology, tissue and cell targeting, and translational hypotheses across multiple disease areas.
- Demonstrated scientific leadership experience, including mentoring and developing scientists and influencing cross-functional teams within a matrixed research environment.
- Passion for scientific innovation and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled approaches for imaging, omics, and multidimensional biological data analysis.
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a strong record of scientific impact and innovation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience integrating imaging and multi-omics approaches to drive biological insight generation and decision-making.
- Target and drug discovery experience in an industry setting.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or a related life sciences discipline
- 7+ years of postgraduate experience driving innovative research in a drug discovery setting
- Strong expertise in experimental biology, including cellular and tissue-based models
- Hands-on experience in confocal, super resolution, and other advanced microscopy approaches
- Proven track record of applying imaging and translational biology approaches to investigate disease mechanisms, therapeutic mechanisms of action, target biology, tissue and cell targeting, and translational hypotheses across multiple disease areas
- Demonstrated scientific leadership experience, including mentoring and developing scientists and influencing cross-functional teams within a matrixed research environment
- Passion for scientific innovation and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled approaches for imaging, omics, and multidimensional biological data analysis
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a strong record of scientific impact and innovation
- Experience integrating imaging and multi-omics approaches to drive biological insight generation and decision-making
- Target and drug discovery experience in an industry setting
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- 401(k) with company contribution and match
- Performance-based cash incentive
- Annual equity awards
- 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.