Senior Scientist - In vitro Pharmacology - Gene Therapy

Summary

About the role:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist I to join our dynamic in vitro pharmacology team in San Diego dedicated to advancing gene therapy and siRNA for neurological and neuromuscular diseases. As a key member of our research programs, you will play a critical role in supporting various aspects of biomarker assay development, tissue sample processing, antibody screening campaigns, and monoclonal antibody isolation. Sounds exciting? Join us and make a difference.

About the Role

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and optimize biomarker assays essential for monitoring therapeutic efficacy and disease progression in neurological and neuromuscular gene therapy programs.
• Utilize expertise in ELISA, MSD, and Luminex assays to accurately measure biomarker levels in biological samples.
• Conduct tissue sample processing techniques to extract RNA, DNA, and proteins for downstream analysis.
• Conduct comprehensive analysis of gene expression utilizing techniques such as RT-ddPCR.
• Implement next-generation sequencing methodologies to assess gene expression profiles in relevant tissues.
• Lead antibody screening campaigns, including hybridoma generation, antibody selection, and validation.
• Isolate monoclonal antibodies using state-of-the-art techniques and platforms.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate findings into the overall program strategy.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and contribute to the continuous improvement of experimental protocols and techniques.

Video Link

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggbnzRY9z8w

Role Requirements:

Essential Requirements:

• B.S. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Neuroscience) with 5+ years, MSc with 4+ years or Ph.D. with 2 years of industry experience.
• Strong background in tissue sample processing techniques, including nucleic acid and protein extraction.
• Experience in gene therapy biodistribution methods including ddPCR, RT-ddPC
• Proven expertise in biomarker assay development, including ELISA, MSD, FRET, Luminex, Simoa, Western blot (JESS)
• Experience in cell isolation and characterization using flow cytometry, FACS.
• Knowledge and understanding of next-generation sequencing methodologies and data analysis, including RNAseq, 10x Genomics. Hands on experience a plus.
• Knowledge and understanding of antibody screening campaigns, hybridoma generation, and monoclonal antibody isolation. Hands on experience a plus.
• Proficiency at problem-solving and ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific innovation and productivity, as evidenced by publications and/or patents.
• Expected travel: approximately 2%

Desirable Requirements:

• Prior experience in gene therapy research, particularly in neurological and neuromuscular diseases.
• Familiarity with industry standards and technologies for biomarker assay development.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and growing team environment and to prioritize work from multiple projects. Must be highly reliable and goals/deadlines oriented.
• Hands-on experience with automation and high-throughput screening platforms, a plus.

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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. 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 are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers who are focused on building and advancing a culture of inclusion that values and celebrates individual differences, uniqueness, backgrounds and perspectives. 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. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the world around us and connects us to the patients, customers and communities we serve.

Accessibility & 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 [email protected] 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.

Division
Biomedical Research

Business Unit
Pharma Research

Location
USA

Site
San Diego

Company / Legal Entity
U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.

Functional Area
Research & Development

Job Type
Full time

Employment Type
Regular

Shift Work
No