Associate Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture
Novartis
July 02, 2026
On-site
Durham, NC
Operations
Major accountabilities:
- Designs and executes gene therapy upstream process development studies.
- Supports early development study projects and late-stage process characterization and scaling up studies.
- Analyses and interprets experimental data from process studies with strong statistical mindset.
- Conducts laboratory studies to enhance AAV and LVV manufacturing technologies, capabilities, and processes (media development; bioreactor fed-batch and perfusion process development, optimization and scale-up).
- Performs experiments at different scales to support pre-clinical, clinical and commercial programs.
- Assists the evaluation and introduction of new technologies.
- Authors technical reports and presents results of development studies both internally and externally.
- Collaborates with cross-functional groups to coordinate studies.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Essential requirements:
- Experience with bioreactor operation including ambr (15 & 250), bench-top bioreactor, and pilot scale bioreactor.
- Proficient in statistical analysis principles and software; working knowledge and experience with Design of Experiments (DoE).
- Ability to analyze data to make data-driven decisions and advance development strategies.
- Knowledge of viral gene therapy and previous experience with AAV process development preferred.
- Excellent team player with good communication skills.
Compensation/benefits (as stated):
- Salary range: $73,500.00–$136,500.00 USD annually; final offer based on skills/experience.
- Performance-based cash incentive; eligibility for annual equity awards depending on level.
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, life, disability, 401(k) with company contribution/match) and generous time off.
Application instructions:
- Apply only if the Durham, USA location is accessible to you (no relocation support).
- Designs and executes gene therapy upstream process development studies.
- Supports early development study projects and late-stage process characterization and scaling up studies.
- Analyses and interprets experimental data from process studies with strong statistical mindset.
- Conducts laboratory studies to enhance AAV and LVV manufacturing technologies, capabilities, and processes (media development; bioreactor fed-batch and perfusion process development, optimization and scale-up).
- Performs experiments at different scales to support pre-clinical, clinical and commercial programs.
- Assists the evaluation and introduction of new technologies.
- Authors technical reports and presents results of development studies both internally and externally.
- Collaborates with cross-functional groups to coordinate studies.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Essential requirements:
- Experience with bioreactor operation including ambr (15 & 250), bench-top bioreactor, and pilot scale bioreactor.
- Proficient in statistical analysis principles and software; working knowledge and experience with Design of Experiments (DoE).
- Ability to analyze data to make data-driven decisions and advance development strategies.
- Knowledge of viral gene therapy and previous experience with AAV process development preferred.
- Excellent team player with good communication skills.
Compensation/benefits (as stated):
- Salary range: $73,500.00–$136,500.00 USD annually; final offer based on skills/experience.
- Performance-based cash incentive; eligibility for annual equity awards depending on level.
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, life, disability, 401(k) with company contribution/match) and generous time off.
Application instructions:
- Apply only if the Durham, USA location is accessible to you (no relocation support).