Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist

Novartis AG

Cambridge, MA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$108,500–$201,500 Per Year
SKILLS
Adobe Acrobat, Analysis Skills, Assay Development, Assays, Biochemistry, Biomarkers, Biomedical Research, Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Clinical Study Publications, Clinical Trial, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Contract Research Organization (CRO), Data Analysis, Disease, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Drug-Screening Assays, English Language, Fellowship, Genetics, Genomics, Identify Issues, Immunoassays, Laboratory Techniques, Legal, Ligand Binding, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Medicine, Pharmacodynamics, Pre-Clinical Trials, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Proteomics, Record Keeping, Regulatory Compliance, Research & Development (R&D), Research Laboratory, Research Skills, Scientific Publications, Statistics, Technical Analysis, Technical Strategy, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Cambridge, MA
POSTED
4 days ago

Job ID

REQ-10082170

Jul 02, 2026

USA

Available in: English

Summary

Internal Position Title: Principal Scientist I/IILocation: Cambridge, MA, #LI-Onsite* This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist (Level 4) to conduct bench research in a laboratory focused on preclinical and clinical biomarker assay development within Disease Area X (DAx). This position is integral to designing, developing, and qualifying biomarker assays that support drug discovery and development programs across DAx's diverse portfolio, including renal, liver, fibrosis, and exploratory indications. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a matrixed team and contribute technical expertise to translational strategies that enable patient stratification and clinical impact.

About the Role

Key responsibilities:Design, develop, and qualify preclinical and clinical biomarker assays (cellular, soluble, proteomic, genetic, and genomic) to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification for DAx programs.The ideal candidate will bring deep technical and strategic expertise in designing, developing, optimizing, and clinically implementing ligand binding assays (e.g. ELISA, MSD, immunoassays). Ensuring analytical rigor, robustness, and "fit-for purpose" performance expectations and technical assessment standards. Execute laboratory-based research, including hands-on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.Collaborate with Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, and DAx project teams to align assay strategies with DAx therapeutic area priorities.Support the implementation of biomarker assays in preclinical and clinical studies, including documentation and reporting of results.Maintain exemplary laboratory practices, including accurate record keeping and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines.Present research findings in lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications and internal reports.Essential Requirements:PhD or MD, Postdoctoral Fellowship preferred, with 4+ years' experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field, or BS/MS with 8+ years' experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field.Hands-on experience with designing and executing LBA assaysDemonstrated experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics, or related fields within pharma or biotech.Demonstrated expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation for preclinical and/or clinical studies across various animal and human matrices.Proven skill in independently developing and executing biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery.Innovative and critical thinking, with a track record of scientific impact and continuous improvement.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability in laboratory research.Desirable Requirements:Experience with multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches, especially as applied to renal, liver, fibrosis, or exploratory disease areas.Familiarity with animal models and ex vivo assays is a plus.Hands-on experience with RNA assays and/or LC-MS based biomarker or assay quantification an added plus.Knowledge of statistics and computational data analysis is desirable.Experience working with CROs or external vendors to support assay development, biomarker studies or analytical deliverables.The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and $126,000 and $234,000 per year for Principal Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-cultureBenefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally.Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

EEO Statement:The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.Accessibility & Reasonable AccommodationsThe Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Research

Location

USA

State

Massachusetts

Site

Cambridge (USA)

Company / Legal Entity

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.

Functional Area

Research & Development

Job Type

Full time

Employment Type

Regular

Shift Work

No

Research & Development Biomedical Research USA

Job ID

REQ-10082170

Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist

Apply to Job

Job ID

REQ-10082170

Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist

Apply to Job

About the Company

N

Novartis AG

Novartis provides healthcare solutions that improve and extend people’s lives. We use science-based innovation to address some of society’s most challenging healthcare issues. We discover and develop breakthrough treatments and find new ways to deliver them to as many people as possible. Our company is focused on industry-leading divisions with innovation power and global scale: pharmaceuticals, eye care and generic medicines Novartis is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 120,000 associates and its products are available in more than 180 countries around the world.

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
FOUNDED
1996