Sr Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Biomarker Assay Development Laboratory
Novartis
Summary
Imagine advancing biomarker science that helps transform promising discoveries into life-changing medicines. As a Sr Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Biomarker Assay Development Laboratory, you will lead a high-performing team at the forefront of translational research, developing innovative biomarker assays that shape critical decisions across drug discovery and clinical development. Working across a diverse portfolio spanning renal, liver, fibrosis, and emerging disease areas, you will collaborate with leading scientists and cross-functional partners to accelerate patient-focused breakthroughs. This is an exciting opportunity to combine scientific leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation to make a meaningful impact on the future of medicine.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Lead development and qualification of biomarker assays supporting discovery, translational research, and clinical development.
- Design fit-for-purpose assay strategies enabling target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification decisions.
- Drive laboratory operations, resource planning, and prioritization to support portfolio objectives effectively.
- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of innovative biomarker scientists.
- Foster a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with Translational Medicine, Data Science, and cross-functional project teams on biomarker strategies.
- Establish and manage external collaborations to access emerging technologies and specialized scientific capabilities.
- Oversee outsourced assay activities and ensure delivery of high-quality translational data.
- Provide scientific leadership that informs translational plans and clinical development strategies.
- Represent the laboratory in cross-functional forums and contribute to strategic program decisions.
Essential Requirements
- Doctor of Philosophy, Medical Doctor, or equivalent degree in a relevant life sciences discipline.
- Extensive experience developing biomarker assays within pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments.
- Deep expertise across cellular, circulating, proteomic, genetic, and genomic biomarker approaches.
- Proven success designing, qualifying, and implementing assays for preclinical and clinical studies.
- Strong experience with platforms such as polymerase chain reaction, next-generation sequencing, immunoassays, and mass spectrometry.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams within complex matrix organizations.
- Experience managing external partners and contract research organizations to deliver scientific outcomes.
- Excellent collaboration, scientific communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience applying multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches within translational research programs.
- Strong strategic mindset with a track record of innovation and advancing scientific impact.
Requirements
- Doctor of Philosophy, Medical Doctor, or equivalent degree in a relevant life sciences discipline.
- Extensive experience developing biomarker assays within pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments.
- Deep expertise across cellular, circulating, proteomic, genetic, and genomic biomarker approaches.
- Proven success designing, qualifying, and implementing assays for preclinical and clinical studies.
- Strong experience with platforms such as polymerase chain reaction, next-generation sequencing, immunoassays, and mass spectrometry.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams within complex matrix organizations.
- Experience managing external partners and contract research organizations to deliver scientific outcomes.
- Excellent collaboration, scientific communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience applying multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches within translational research programs.
- Strong strategic mindset with a track record of innovation and advancing scientific impact.
Benefits
- Insurance plans
- Retirement plans
- Wellbeing resources
- Global recognition programs
- Flexible working options
- Hybrid working options
- Paid parental leave
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.