Associate Scientist - Cell-Based Assays
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 13, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 9, 2026.
~~~This role is offered through [MSP/supplier/third party provider], who, if selected, will be your employer. If your services are retained, you will be assigned to provide services to Novartis as the end client. This is not an offer of employment with Novartis. If you are selected for this Temporary/External opportunity, you will not be an employee of Novartis and will not be eligible for any Novartis employee benefits or incentives. ~~~
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Associate Scientist - Cell-Based Assays
We are seeking a highly motivated research scientist to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team focused on discovering and advancing innovative therapies for cancer patients. The successful candidate will design and execute rigorous experiments, generate decision-enabling data, and translate findings into testable hypotheses. This role offers the opportunity to work across discovery disciplines and contribute directly to oncology programs from target validation to drug discovery. This is a temporary position expected to last approximately six months. The work covers cellular degradation and recruitment assays, protein turnover studies, and follow-up of newly identified hits and resynthesized compounds.
Major accountabilities:
Run cell-based experiments for a protein degrader program and related induced proximity projects, using established workflows and fit-for-purpose assay development.
Plan and run experiments with input from senior scientists or the project lead. Apply sound judgment on assay setup, controls and troubleshooting, and bring questions or unexpected results to the team early.
Maintain mammalian cell culture, including routine passaging, plating, compound treatment and sample preparation. Cell types include cancer lines, including engineered knock-in and knockout lines, and reporter lines.
Run HiBiT/LgBiT (NanoLuc) assays for endogenous protein degradation, in lytic endpoint and live-cell kinetic formats.
Run live-cell NanoBiT assays that measure E3 ligase recruitment to the target.
Support protein turnover studies, including cycloheximide chase and washout experiments. Fit decay and recovery curves to estimate half-life and resynthesis rate.
Confirm degradation of the target and selected off-targets with in-cell Western, Western blot and WES/Simple Western. Follow up hits from proteomics and screening this way.
Support qPCR workflows, including RNA isolation, reverse transcription, assay setup, data analysis and interpretation. Measure target genes as a pharmacodynamic readout.
Test newly synthesized and resynthesized compounds in dose-response format. Confirm potency and efficacy, and turn results around quickly so chemistry can make decisions.
Apply appropriate controls, normalization and curve-fitting methods. Report DC50, Dmax, recruitment potency and fit-quality metrics.
Analyze, interpret and present results to the lab, department and project teams.
Keep accurate, timely records in the electronic lab notebook and other required systems. Documentation must be clear enough for a smooth handover at the end of the assignment.
Troubleshoot routine experimental and assay issues, and suggest improvements where you see them.
Prioritize work against project timelines.
Build technical knowledge through literature reading, department activities and scientific discussion.
Assist colleagues with familiar techniques when needed.
Work with project team members and cross-functional partners (e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, proteomics, structural biology).
Qualifications:
BS or MS in cell biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, cancer biology, pharmacology or a related field.
2+ years of relevant lab experience with a BS, or 0-2 years with an MS. Experience can come from industry, academia, or internships/co-ops.
Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and plate-based cell assays.
Experience with at least two of: in-cell Western, Western blot/WES/Simple Western, qPCR, luminescence-based reporter or proximity assays.
Experience analyzing dose-response data (e.g., GraphPad Prism).
Strong organization, documentation and communication skills. Able to learn quickly and work well in a short-term role.
Preferred:
Experience with targeted protein degradation, molecular glues or PROTACs.
Experience with NanoLuc/HiBiT/NanoBiT assays or live-cell kinetic luminescence.
Experience with cancer cell line models.
Familiarity with CRISPR engineering.
Experience with Spotfire or similar data visualization tools.
Skills:
Cell-based assays · Mammalian cell culture · Targeted protein degradation / induced proximity · HiBiT/NanoBiT proximity assays · In-cell Western · Western blot / WES / Simple Western · qPCR and gene expression analysis · Protein quantitation · Dose-response analysis · Cellular pharmacology · Assay development and troubleshooting · Experimental design · Data analysis (GraphPad Prism, Spotfire) · Electronic lab notebook · Communication and collaboration · Time management
Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite)
Pay Rate: $40 - $45/hour W-2 Only (based on Education/Experience)
Contract: 6-month (Possible Contract to hire)
Health, dental, vision, 401k (provided minimum eligibility hours are met)
Why Novartis:
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
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.
Accommodation:
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Magnit at [email protected].