Senior Scientist, Translational Preclinical Models, MPS Automated Cell Culture & Innovation

Job Description Summary

Join the Discovery Sciences team at Novartis BioMedical Research to advance the next generation of translational preclinical models for drug discovery. In this highly collaborative, hands-on role, you will integrate stem cell biology, microphysiological systems (MPS), automated tissue culture, advanced imaging, and innovative technologies to build scalable, human-relevant models that can transform how biological insights are generated and translated.

You will work across disciplines to translate complex biological protocols into reproducible, automation-ready processes, generate high-quality cellular models at scale, and enable project teams with reliable data and fit-for-purpose model systems.

Job Description

The Discovery Sciences department at Novartis BioMedical Research is seeking a Senior Scientist I/II to support manual and large-scale automated tissue culture and advanced human model systems. The successful candidate will operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and develop scalable workflows across automated tissue culture platforms while partnering with scientists to deliver consistent, well-characterized cell models.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, expand, cryopreserve, and characterize human pluripotent stem cell lines, including iPSC and hESC cultures.
• Execute multiple stem cell differentiation protocols in parallel while maintaining experimental schedules, traceable documentation, and quality standards.
• Perform large-scale iPSC culture in a controlled laboratory environment using automated liquid-handling platforms and high-throughput robotic systems.
• Program, operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated tissue culture platforms, including flask-based CellTrio systems and plate-based HighRes Biosolutions systems.
• Develop and apply microscopy and image-analysis workflows to monitor cell health and enable data-driven, real-time decisions on automated platforms.
• Establish, maintain, and operate microphysiological systems, organ-on-chip models, and advanced 3D tissue culture platforms, including routine monitoring, functional assessment, and data documentation.
• Design, execute, and optimize MPS-based studies with cross-functional scientists to improve experimental quality, reproducibility, and translational relevance.
• Perform imaging, functional characterization, and data analysis to evaluate model performance and support drug discovery and translational research programs.
• Create and improve SOPs, maintenance manuals, and start-up procedures; train users; prepare required media and reagents; and coordinate cell-production needs with project teams.

Essential Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related discipline, with 4+ years of relevant post-graduate experience. We will also consider recent PhD graduates, within the last 2 years, with relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience maintaining mammalian cell cultures, including human cancer cell lines and/or iPSCs, with strong aseptic technique and cell-quality practices.
• Experience executing cell culture or differentiation workflows with attention to reproducibility, scheduling, documentation, and experimental quality.
• Experience designing, building, deploying, operating, or troubleshooting automated laboratory workflows in life science or clinical laboratory settings.
• Working knowledge of microscopy, image-based monitoring, and quantitative data analysis for cellular models.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot effectively, and collaborate across project teams and stakeholders.

Desirable Requirements

• Familiarity with HighRes BioSolutions/Cellario robotic platforms, CellTrio RoboCell, Sartorius CompacT, liquid handlers, bulk dispensers, and associated laboratory automation software.
• Experience with phenotypic screening, advanced microscopy, image-analysis tools, and data platforms such as Genedata Screener or Spotfire; exposure to AI-enabled analysis tools is a plus.