Principal Scientist I, Soluble Biomarkers- Molecular & Cellular Sciences (MCS)
Novartis
August 23, 2026
On-site
Cambridge, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, validate, and implement immunoassay- and LC-MS–based methods to quantify exploratory soluble biomarkers for clinical programs (primary focus: neuromuscular and muscle disease).
- Apply hands-on assay development to build robust, fit-for-purpose biomarker methods supporting clinical decision-making and translational objectives.
- Serve as scientific/technical lead for exploratory soluble biomarker assays (assay strategy, data quality, interpretation, documentation, alignment to context of use and clinical endpoints).
- Translate disease biology and program needs into biomarker assay plans with project teams, Translational Medicine, Clinical, Data Science, and external collaborators.
- Evaluate and implement innovative assay technologies/workflows to improve sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, throughput, and biological relevance.
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate biomarker/assay data to stakeholders to support timely, evidence-based decisions.
- Partner with internal functions and external vendors to deliver assays and sample analysis on agreed timelines.
- Maintain scientific rigor, documentation, data integrity, and compliance with applicable policies.
Essential Requirements:
- PhD with 2+ years drug discovery/translational research experience OR Master’s with 10+ years in pharma/biotech.
- Hands-on experience developing/optimizing/validating/troubleshooting immunoassays (ELISA, MSD, Luminex, Simoa) and LC-MS methods for soluble biomarkers.
- Tissue biopsy experience (especially muscle) and related workflows (IHC/IF, tissue collection/processing/sample handling).
- Experience supporting neuromuscular/muscle disease biology programs; connect assay strategy to biomarker plan.
- Ability to design rigorous experiments, solve complex technical problems, assess assay performance, and communicate conclusions.
- Cross-functional experience managing internal/external assay activities, timelines, deliverables, and documentation.
- Excellent oral and written communication.
- Collaborative, inclusive mindset.
Desirable Requirements:
- Multi-omics experience (e.g., RNA-seq).
- Understanding of circulating muscle proteins as structural/functional biomarkers for muscle disease.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Salary range: $108,500–$201,500/year; performance-based cash incentive; possible annual equity awards (role-dependent).
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, life/disability, 401(k) w/ match, time off).
Application Instructions:
- If requesting reasonable accommodations for the application process, contact [email protected] or +1(877)395-2339 with the job requisition number.
- Develop, validate, and implement immunoassay- and LC-MS–based methods to quantify exploratory soluble biomarkers for clinical programs (primary focus: neuromuscular and muscle disease).
- Apply hands-on assay development to build robust, fit-for-purpose biomarker methods supporting clinical decision-making and translational objectives.
- Serve as scientific/technical lead for exploratory soluble biomarker assays (assay strategy, data quality, interpretation, documentation, alignment to context of use and clinical endpoints).
- Translate disease biology and program needs into biomarker assay plans with project teams, Translational Medicine, Clinical, Data Science, and external collaborators.
- Evaluate and implement innovative assay technologies/workflows to improve sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, throughput, and biological relevance.
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate biomarker/assay data to stakeholders to support timely, evidence-based decisions.
- Partner with internal functions and external vendors to deliver assays and sample analysis on agreed timelines.
- Maintain scientific rigor, documentation, data integrity, and compliance with applicable policies.
Essential Requirements:
- PhD with 2+ years drug discovery/translational research experience OR Master’s with 10+ years in pharma/biotech.
- Hands-on experience developing/optimizing/validating/troubleshooting immunoassays (ELISA, MSD, Luminex, Simoa) and LC-MS methods for soluble biomarkers.
- Tissue biopsy experience (especially muscle) and related workflows (IHC/IF, tissue collection/processing/sample handling).
- Experience supporting neuromuscular/muscle disease biology programs; connect assay strategy to biomarker plan.
- Ability to design rigorous experiments, solve complex technical problems, assess assay performance, and communicate conclusions.
- Cross-functional experience managing internal/external assay activities, timelines, deliverables, and documentation.
- Excellent oral and written communication.
- Collaborative, inclusive mindset.
Desirable Requirements:
- Multi-omics experience (e.g., RNA-seq).
- Understanding of circulating muscle proteins as structural/functional biomarkers for muscle disease.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Salary range: $108,500–$201,500/year; performance-based cash incentive; possible annual equity awards (role-dependent).
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, life/disability, 401(k) w/ match, time off).
Application Instructions:
- If requesting reasonable accommodations for the application process, contact [email protected] or +1(877)395-2339 with the job requisition number.