Principal Scientist, Functional Genomics

Job Description Summary

We are currently seeking individuals with strong expertise in functional genomics and molecular biology. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in genomic screening, complex cell models and automation. You will be responsible for developing and optimizing cell-based assays specifically for high-throughput functional genomic screening, with the goal of identifying targets and accelerating therapeutic development.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite

We are currently seeking individuals with strong expertise in functional genomics and molecular biology. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in genomic screening, complex cell models and automation. You will be responsible for developing and optimizing cell-based assays specifically for high-throughput functional genomic screening, with the goal of identifying targets and accelerating therapeutic development.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and optimize cell-based biological assays for high-throughput genomic screening with a focus on utilizing automation for various throughput scales.

• Candidates should have extensive experience in cell culture, particularly with iPSCs and advanced complex cell models such as organoids and primary cells, as well as strong proficiencies in functional genomics, including the design and implementation of genomic screens using technologies like CRISPR, RNAi, and cDNA.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including researchers, engineers, and bioinformaticians, to design and execute automated workflows tailored to specific screening requirements, including advising upon choice of perturbagen and design of orthogonal or secondary validation workflows.

• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in genomic science and screening methodologies to provide actionable insights for process improvement.

• Contribute to the publication of research findings and present at scientific conferences, keeping the scientific community abreast of cutting-edge developments.

Minimum Requirements:

• BS/MS plus 10-15+years, or PhD plus 5+ years in biology (or relevant field), with applicable related experience.

• Extensive hands-on experience in genomic screening and automation, preferably in a research or industrial setting.

• Proficient with mammalian cell culture and experience with iPS derived cell models/ physiologically relevant in vitro disease models. Expertise with complex models, such as poly-culture or organoids a major plus.

• Demonstrated familiarity with both genomics perturbagens, including strengths and liabilities of each class (siRNA, CRISPR, cDNA), and in the proper delivery and QC of each.

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with good troubleshooting and resolving technical challenges in automated assay development.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience handling CRISPR lentivirus in arrayed format.

Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $103,600 to $192,400/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

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 [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.

Salary Range

$103,600.00 - $192,400.00

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Curiosity, Data, Data Analysis, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Laboratory, Lifesciences, Machine Learning (Ml), Management, Medical Research, Molecular Biology {+ 10 more}