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Senior Scientist I / II – Translational Experimental Cancer Biology (OTR)

NovartisNovartis·Pharmaceuticals

Compensation

$50,000 - $75,000/year

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Posted

10 days

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About the role

Job Description Summary

Job Title: Senior Scientist I / II – Translational Experimental Cancer Biology (OTR)
#LI-Onsite

Location: Cambridge, USA

Relocation Support: This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Drive the mechanistic understanding of how cancer therapies succeed—and fail—at the cellular level. Within Oncology Translational Research, you will interrogate therapeutic response and resistance in breast cancer using advanced molecular and cellular biology approaches, including engineered human cell line systems and functional assays. Working at the interface of discovery and early clinical development, you will generate high-resolution insights into intrinsic and acquired resistance pathways, enabling patient stratification strategies and informing the design of next-generation therapies with improved efficacy, durability, and safety.


 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

  • Key responsibilities:

  • Lead mechanism‑of‑action studies using advanced cell biology and molecular biology approaches to interrogate therapeutic response and resistance.
  • Design, develop, and execute in vitro assays to elucidate key aspects of breast cancer biology, including resistance mechanisms to emerging therapies.
  • Design and engineer human cell line models to enable functional screening and deep mechanistic interrogation of resistance pathways.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, design, execute, analyze, document experiments, and communicate results in team settings.
  • Stay current with scientific literature and advancements.

Essential Requirements

  • This is a dual posting. The final level of the offered role will be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience, and capabilities required to perform the role at the offered level.
    • Senior Scientist I: Bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology or a related discipline with at least 5 years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in cancer biology or a related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.
    • Senior Scientist II: Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related discipline with at least 7 years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in cancer biology or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
  • Strong expertise in cell biology and multiple advanced molecular biology assays, preferably but not limited to studying clonal dynamics using barcoding technologies.
  • Robust experience studying resistance to small molecule therapies using molecular biology techniques.
  • Deep understanding of hormone-driven cancer cell biology (e.g. breast or prostate cancer).
  • Positive attitude, agility mindset, scientific curiosity, dedication, and excellent problem-solving skills
  • Enthusiasm for scientific collaboration and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Desirable Qualifications:

  • Proficiency with data mining and computational skills.
  • Experience with single cell RNAseq and/or spatial transcriptomics.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: 

The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700.00 - 183,300.00 USD Annual 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 +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

$98,700.00 - $183,300.00


 

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Biotechnology, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Data, Data Analysis, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Dna Extraction, Drug Discovery, Ethics Laboratory, HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), Immunology, Lifesciences, Machine Learning (ML), Molecular Biology, Operational Excellence, Organization, Presentation Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Project Teams, Reports Writing, Research {+ 2 more}
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Aplyr's read

Novartis is a Swiss-based global healthcare leader, known for its focus on innovative medicines and commitment to addressing patient needs through diverse roles.

Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

  • Novartis invests heavily in research and development, driving innovation in pharmaceuticals.
  • The company offers a wide range of global career opportunities across various fields.
  • Strong focus on cutting-edge therapies, including gene therapy and AI-driven solutions.

What to watch

  • Regulatory challenges can impact the speed of drug approval and market entry.
  • High competition in the pharmaceutical industry requires constant innovation to maintain market position.
  • Complex organizational structure may slow decision-making processes.

Why Novartis

  • Novartis has a robust pipeline of innovative medicines, setting it apart in the healthcare sector.
  • The company emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workplace culture across its global operations.
  • Novartis is a leader in digital transformation within pharmaceuticals, integrating AI and data science.

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About Novartis

Novartis is a global healthcare company based in Switzerland that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide. It focuses on innovative medicines, generics, and eye care.

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