Job Description Summary

#LI-OnSite
Location: Cambridge

This position is located in Cambridge, MA and does not have the ability to be located remotely. Please only apply if this area is accessible to you.

The Oncology Department at Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative laboratory scientist to join our Target Biology and Discovery group in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this role, you will help identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and advance early drug-discovery programs for hematologic cancers, with a particular focus on myeloid malignancies. You will combine hands-on molecular and cellular biology with disease-relevant model systems to answer critical drug-discovery questions and generate insights that shape project strategy and investment decisions.

 

Job Description

Role Description and Key Responsibilities 

• Identify critical drug-discovery questions and independently develop creative experimental strategies. 

•  Conduct studies supporting novel target identification, target validation, and mechanism of action in hematologic malignancies such as AML/MDS, using molecular and cellular approaches such as CRISPR-based perturbation, gene knockdown/overexpression, and chemical probes.  

• Develop and optimize cellular assays to drive early therapeutic development or perform deep mechanistic studies, applying techniques such as western blotting, qPCR, imaging, and cellular phenotyping as appropriate to the scientific question. 

• Establish and use disease-relevant hematologic models, including primary patient-derived or healthy hematopoietic samples and tissues, cancer cell lines, and engineered cellular systems. 

• Collaborate effectively in a matrixed, multidisciplinary environment to develop project strategy prioritize hypotheses, and adapt plans as data emerge. 

• Analyze and integrate datasets, clearly communicate experimental results and recommendations, and actively contribute to project-team discussions, and departmental presentations. 

• Maintain good laboratory practices in laboratory safety, execution, and documentation 

Essential requirements 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, cellular or molecular biology, or a related scientific discipline, with 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience. 

• Hands-on experience designing, executing, and interpreting molecular and cellular biology experiments. 

• Experience developing robust, reproducible cellular assays. 

• Strong proficiency in mammalian cell culture and molecular and protein-analysis methods, such as cloning, qPCR, western blotting, and multiparameter flow cytometry. 

• Independent ability to translate scientific questions into well-controlled experimental plans, troubleshoot technical challenges, and communicate decision-enabling conclusions. 

• Strong scientific communication, organization, and collaboration skills. 

• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities as well as apply new techniques.  

Preferred requirements 

• Experience with primary hematopoietic, immune, or patient-derived samples. 

• Experience with CRISPR-based functional genomics or genome-editing approaches. 

• Experience with medium- or high-throughput screening or profiling. 

• Previous experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or translational research environments. 

• Familiarity with hematologic malignancies, particularly AML or MDS.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: 

Role Leveling

The final level and title will be determined by the hiring team based on skills, experience, and capabilities:

The expected salary range at commencement of employment is:

• Sr Scientist I: $93,800 - $174,200
• Sr Scientist II: $98,700 - $183,400

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.

 

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 and reasonable accommodations

The 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 us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com 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.

 

Salary Range

$93,800.00 - $174,200.00

 

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Data Management, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Laboratory Research, Leading Project Teams, Life Science, Machine Learning (ML), Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research, Molecular Biology {+ 10 more}