Sr Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Biomarker Assay Development Laboratory

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Job Description Summary

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA

Relocation Support: Yes

Imagine advancing biomarker science that helps transform promising discoveries into life-changing medicines. As a Sr Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Biomarker Assay Development Laboratory, you will lead a high-performing team at the forefront of translational research, developing innovative biomarker assays that shape critical decisions across drug discovery and clinical development. Working across a diverse portfolio spanning renal, liver, fibrosis, and emerging disease areas, you will collaborate with leading scientists and cross-functional partners to accelerate patient-focused breakthroughs. This is an exciting opportunity to combine scientific leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation to make a meaningful impact on the future of medicine.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development and qualification of biomarker assays supporting discovery, translational research, and clinical development.
• Design fit-for-purpose assay strategies enabling target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification decisions.
• Drive laboratory operations, resource planning, and prioritization to support portfolio objectives effectively.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of innovative biomarker scientists.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Translational Medicine, Data Science, and cross-functional project teams on biomarker strategies.
• Establish and manage external collaborations to access emerging technologies and specialized scientific capabilities.
• Oversee outsourced assay activities and ensure delivery of high-quality translational data.
• Provide scientific leadership that informs translational plans and clinical development strategies.
• Represent the laboratory in cross-functional forums and contribute to strategic program decisions.

Essential Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy, Medical Doctor, or equivalent degree in a relevant life sciences discipline.
• Extensive experience developing biomarker assays within pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments.
• Deep expertise across cellular, circulating, proteomic, genetic, and genomic biomarker approaches.
• Proven success designing, qualifying, and implementing assays for preclinical and clinical studies.
• Strong experience with platforms such as polymerase chain reaction, next-generation sequencing, immunoassays, and mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams within complex matrix organizations.
• Experience managing external partners and contract research organizations to deliver scientific outcomes.
• Excellent collaboration, scientific communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience applying multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches within translational research programs.
• Strong strategic mindset with a track record of innovation and advancing scientific impact.

Rewards

At Novartis,we’recommitted to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits inkindto help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeingresourcesand global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, anda minimum of14 weekspaid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

• USA: 152,600.00 - 283,400.00 USD Annual

The salary offered isdeterminedbased on gender-neutralobjectives, such as relevant skills,competenciesand experiencein accordance withthe Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse,equitableand inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Readourbrochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the applicationprocess.

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,supportingand inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the wayswe’llhelp you thrive personally and professionally:https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] +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.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings

Salary Range

Skills Desired