Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist
Novartis
July 02, 2026
On-site
Cambridge, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Key responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and qualify preclinical and clinical biomarker assays (cellular, soluble, proteomic, genetic, genomic) to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification for DAx programs.
- Design, develop, optimize, and clinically implement ligand binding assays (e.g., ELISA, MSD, immunoassays), ensuring analytical rigor, robustness, and “fit-for-purpose” performance and technical assessment standards.
- Execute hands-on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data with scientific rigor and reproducibility.
- Collaborate with Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, and DAx project teams to align assay strategies with therapeutic area priorities.
- Support implementation of biomarker assays in preclinical and clinical studies, including documentation and reporting.
- Maintain laboratory practices, accurate record keeping, and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines.
- Present findings in lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications and internal reports.
Essential requirements:
- PhD or MD (Postdoctoral Fellowship preferred) with 4+ years’ experience, or BS/MS with 8+ years’ experience.
- Hands-on experience designing and executing ligand binding assays (LBA).
- Experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics (or related pharma/biotech areas).
- Expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation across preclinical/clinical studies and animal/human matrices.
- Proven ability to independently develop and execute biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery.
- Innovative/critical thinking; excellent oral and written communication.
- Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability.
Desirable requirements:
- Multiomics profiling and patient stratification experience (renal, liver, fibrosis, or exploratory areas).
- Familiarity with animal models and ex vivo assays.
- RNA assays and/or LC-MS biomarker/quantification experience.
- Knowledge of statistics and computational data analysis.
- Experience working with CROs/external vendors.
Benefits:
- Performance-based cash incentive; potential annual equity awards (depending on level).
- Comprehensive benefits (US-based eligible employees): health, life, disability, 401(k) with match, time off (vacation, personal days, holidays, leaves).
- Design, develop, and qualify preclinical and clinical biomarker assays (cellular, soluble, proteomic, genetic, genomic) to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification for DAx programs.
- Design, develop, optimize, and clinically implement ligand binding assays (e.g., ELISA, MSD, immunoassays), ensuring analytical rigor, robustness, and “fit-for-purpose” performance and technical assessment standards.
- Execute hands-on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data with scientific rigor and reproducibility.
- Collaborate with Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, and DAx project teams to align assay strategies with therapeutic area priorities.
- Support implementation of biomarker assays in preclinical and clinical studies, including documentation and reporting.
- Maintain laboratory practices, accurate record keeping, and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines.
- Present findings in lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications and internal reports.
Essential requirements:
- PhD or MD (Postdoctoral Fellowship preferred) with 4+ years’ experience, or BS/MS with 8+ years’ experience.
- Hands-on experience designing and executing ligand binding assays (LBA).
- Experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics (or related pharma/biotech areas).
- Expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation across preclinical/clinical studies and animal/human matrices.
- Proven ability to independently develop and execute biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery.
- Innovative/critical thinking; excellent oral and written communication.
- Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability.
Desirable requirements:
- Multiomics profiling and patient stratification experience (renal, liver, fibrosis, or exploratory areas).
- Familiarity with animal models and ex vivo assays.
- RNA assays and/or LC-MS biomarker/quantification experience.
- Knowledge of statistics and computational data analysis.
- Experience working with CROs/external vendors.
Benefits:
- Performance-based cash incentive; potential annual equity awards (depending on level).
- Comprehensive benefits (US-based eligible employees): health, life, disability, 401(k) with match, time off (vacation, personal days, holidays, leaves).