Senior Scientist II, Viral Vector Cargo design

Job Description Summary

The Biologics Research Center (BRC) is accommodated within the Biomedical Research (BR). BRC, in collaboration with the disease areas (DA) and technical expert groups, builds the future biologics therapy pipeline of Novartis through the discovery and creation of new antibody, protein, nucleic acid and virus-based molecules.
We are currently recruiting a highly motivated and independent Senior Scientist II to join our team in San Diego, CA. This laboratory-based position will focus on the design and execution of both in vitro and in vivo studies to support the discovery of novel gene therapy cargos for multiple genetic disease targets. This position will require hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques and a strong understanding of AAV-based gene therapies. This role will closely collaborate with other scientists, including computational biologists, in vivo pharmacologists, and external collaborators and CRO partners to advance the pipeline from ideas to preclinical development.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Identification of highly active and selective regulatory elements for incorporation into candidate gene therapies in vitro and in vivo by leveraging a variety of cell-based models and high throughput sequencing technologies
• Preparing bulk RNAseq and single cell RNAseq datasets from a variety of tissue samples
• Performing high throughput screening of coding sequences to identify variants with desired expression levels
• Providing mentorship for junior associates and contributing to the scientific strategy of the team
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies and scientific approaches in the field of gene therapy
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including bioinformatics, AAV production, and in vivo pharmacology teams to advance programs from discovery to development
• Preparing summaries of data and presenting internally to colleagues and management
• Drafting SOPs, following protocols, diligently documenting experimental data in electronic lab notebooks, and authorizing scientific reports for internal documentation or regulatory submissions
• Leading and contributing to publications and presentations at conferences and/or business meetings.
• Actively supporting a culture of innovation, learning, respect, and trust

Essential Requirement:

• PhD with 2+ years of industry or academia experience in molecular biology, genomics, neuroscience, or related fields.
• Proficiency in vector design, cloning, transfection, cell culture, imaging.
• Hands-on experience with molecular and cell biology techniques, including qPCR/ddPCR, western blot, Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), and RNAseq
• Experience in developing cell-based models using a variety of molecular, biochemical, immunological, and/or imaging-based endpoints
• Proven record of productivity and scientific excellence based on publications, patents, and/or external presentations.
• Independent and critical thinker, multi-tasker, and problem solver with strong verbal and written communication skills, and a team-first mindset.

Desirable Requirements:

• Direct experience with AAV-based gene therapy in preclinical research is preferred.
• Prior experience with single cell/single nuclei RNAseq is a plus

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 per year.

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 +... 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 Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Curiosity, Data, Data Analysis, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Diversity & Inclusion, Drug Discovery, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Laboratory, Lifesciences, Machine Learning (Ml), Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research, Molecular Biology {+ 11 more}