Research Scientist I/II, Biology (Dual Posting)

Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite
Location: Cambridge, MA
This role is based in Cambridge, MA, and does not have the ability to be located remotely.

The Novartis BioMedical Research Oncology Disease Area is seeking an experienced scientist to join the Target Biology and Discovery (TBaD) group. The mission of our group is to uncover novel therapeutic targets and effective modalities to benefit cancer patients. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, innovative screening approaches, and in-depth mechanistic studies, the team initiates the crucial first steps in bringing new oncology medicines to the clinic.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Apply modern chemical genetics approaches to identify and validate novel targets and elucidate pathway dependencies in oncology programs

• Develop and optimize cellular assays for compound identification and characterization, including degradation assays (HiBIT, Prolabel), protein-protein interaction assays (NanoBIT), viability assays (CTG), and reporter-gene systems

• Support project teams by building assay capabilities to enable chemical tool development and early therapeutic discovery, while contributing to mechanistic studies

• Leverage genome editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-based tools) to perform genetic screens and investigate mechanism of action

• Explore emerging therapeutic modalities, including targeted protein degradation and proximity-inducing approaches, to address challenging targets

• Collaborate cross-functionally and externally to drive innovation and contribute to team culture and scientific excellence

Essential Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Chemical Biology, or a related field

• Experience in cellular assay development, hit identification, and downstream characterization

• Strong proficiency in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and protein analysis workflows (e.g., Western blotting, FACS)

• Experience with CRISPR-based gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPRi, CRISPRa, base editing, prime editing)

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to drug discovery efforts and collaborate effectively within matrixed teams

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality results

• Scientific curiosity, problem-solving capability, and commitment to improving patient outcomes

Role Leveling (Dual Posting)

This is a dual posting. The final level and title will be determined by the hiring team based on skills, experience, and capabilities:

• Research Scientist I:

  • ~1-3+ years of relevant industry experience in oncology, target validation, or drug discovery

• Research Scientist II:

  • ~6+ years of relevant industry experience in oncology, target validation, or drug discovery

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with automation systems for high-throughput screening (384- and 1536-well formats)

• Background in chemical biology, targeted protein degradation, induced proximity, or related modalities

Location & Working Model

• This role is based in Cambridge, MA and is onsite

• Remote work is not available for this position

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The expected salary range at commencement of employment is:

• Research Scientist I: $92,800 – $139,200

• Research Scientist II: $102,400 – $150,800

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

$81,200.00 - $150,800.00

Skills Desired

Algorithms, Algorithms, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Curious Mindset, Data, Data Analysis, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Diversity & Inclusion, Drug Discovery, Ethics, Hypothesis Testing, Immunology, Laboratory, Lifesciences, Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Organization {+ 6 more}