Senior Scientist II, Early Pipeline Development
Novartis
Summary
The Biologics Research Center (BRC) at Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated scientist with expertise in recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) manufacturing to join the Cell & Gene Therapy unit in San Diego, California. In collaboration with Biomedical Research Disease Areas, the role will support the early-stage AAV gene therapy pipeline by assessing the downstream manufacturability and developability of lead candidates, exploring purification methods, and developing improved platform processes for existing and novel capsids and cargo vectors.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Perform different scales of purification process including depth filtration, ultracentrifugation, AKTA column chromatography, and TFF unit operations across multiple early-stage programs.
- Design and execute experiments to drive innovative technology and platform evaluation for next generation capsids.
- Perform experiment-related activities including buffer preparation, equipment maintenance, sample labelling and analytical sample submissions.
- Work collaboratively with upstream process development and analytical development teams.
- Engage collaboratively in operational and strategic discussions within a project core team.
- Assist knowledge transfer and work collaboratively with Technical Research & Development team to advance pipeline programs into clinical phases. Facilitate scientific and technical discussions during project translation, ensuring clarity and alignment of objectives across teams.
- Prepare protocols, reports, and provide high-quality data and electronic notebook documentation.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related technical field with 5+ years relevant experience. We will also consider recent PhD graduates (within last 2 years).
- Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography with hands on experience with AKTA purification systems.
- Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts.
- Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators.
- Strong organization and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and matrix environment.
Desired Requirements
- Experiences in AAV gene therapy.
- Experience with viral gene therapy.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related technical field with 5+ years relevant experience, or recent PhD graduate (within last 2 years)
- Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography
- Hands-on experience with AKTA purification systems
- Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts
- Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators
- Strong organization and problem-solving skills with attention to details
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and matrix environment
Benefits
- Health, Life & Disability Benefits
- 401(k) with company 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.