Principal Scientist II, Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead
Novartis
August 06, 2026
Remote friendly (Cambridge, MA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Major accountabilities:
- Lead development of stage-appropriate preclinical and translational biomarker strategies for DAx programs from target validation through early clinical development readiness.
- Serve as the biomarker representative and single point of contact on assigned DAx project teams.
- Define biomarker hypotheses, context of use, evidence requirements, and decision criteria aligned with program milestones.
- Develop integrated biomarker plans covering assays, models, samples, analyses, timelines, and external partnerships.
- Partner across Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, Preclinical Safety, Quantitative Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Biomarker Development to align biomarker activities and execution.
- Generate translational evidence linking target biology, pharmacology, and biomarkers to support key portfolio decisions.
- Drive external collaborations and leverage innovative technologies, datasets, and human sample resources to strengthen biomarker strategies and research-to-development transition.
Minimum qualifications:
- PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, immunology, translational medicine, molecular biology, or related discipline.
- 7+ years of experience in translational research, biomarker strategy, biomarker discovery, or drug development in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
- Demonstrated experience developing biomarker strategies supporting drug discovery and development.
- Strong understanding of biomarker applications (target engagement, pharmacodynamics, patient stratification, disease activity, mechanism-based biomarkers).
- Experience leading cross-functional matrix teams and influencing strategy without direct authority.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Benefits (explicitly stated):
- Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, global recognition programs; flexible/hybrid working where possible; minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.
- Expected USA base salary range: $114,100.00–$211,900.00 USD annually.
- Lead development of stage-appropriate preclinical and translational biomarker strategies for DAx programs from target validation through early clinical development readiness.
- Serve as the biomarker representative and single point of contact on assigned DAx project teams.
- Define biomarker hypotheses, context of use, evidence requirements, and decision criteria aligned with program milestones.
- Develop integrated biomarker plans covering assays, models, samples, analyses, timelines, and external partnerships.
- Partner across Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, Preclinical Safety, Quantitative Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Biomarker Development to align biomarker activities and execution.
- Generate translational evidence linking target biology, pharmacology, and biomarkers to support key portfolio decisions.
- Drive external collaborations and leverage innovative technologies, datasets, and human sample resources to strengthen biomarker strategies and research-to-development transition.
Minimum qualifications:
- PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, immunology, translational medicine, molecular biology, or related discipline.
- 7+ years of experience in translational research, biomarker strategy, biomarker discovery, or drug development in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
- Demonstrated experience developing biomarker strategies supporting drug discovery and development.
- Strong understanding of biomarker applications (target engagement, pharmacodynamics, patient stratification, disease activity, mechanism-based biomarkers).
- Experience leading cross-functional matrix teams and influencing strategy without direct authority.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Benefits (explicitly stated):
- Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, global recognition programs; flexible/hybrid working where possible; minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.
- Expected USA base salary range: $114,100.00–$211,900.00 USD annually.