Principal Scientist, Applied Genomics

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II

Position Location: San Diego, CA, onsite #LI-onsite

The Applied Genomics group at Novartis, San Diego is actively seeking a highly motivated associate with exceptional cellular/molecular biology and genomic screening experience to support new and ongoing technology development and drug discovery programs. This position plays a foundational role at Novartis, developing tools, reagents, and enabling technologies to power early drug discovery efforts. The successful candidate will be expected to have 2+ years of industry experience and work directly with multidisciplinary technology and drug discovery teams across the organization.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Strong proficiencies in cell culture and functional genomics, including the design and implementation of genomic screens using technologies like CRISPR, RNAi, and cDNA.
• Experience in assay development, evaluating new technologies, and an extensive understanding of various assay methods and principles.
• Collaboration 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.
• Independently design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and communicate findings to project teams.
• Design and create custom molecular biology solutions to assist project teams. A strong background and extensive experience in all aspects of molecular biology, including CRISPR-based techniques.

Minimum Requirements:

• BS/MS plus 10-15+years, or PhD plus 5+ years in biology (or relevant field), with applicable related industry experience.
• Hands-on experience in genomic screening and automation, preferably in a research or industrial setting.
• Proficient with mammalian cell culture and experience with physiologically relevant in vitro disease models.
• 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 organizational and project management skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Outstanding problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with good troubleshooting and resolving technical challenges in automated assay development.

Desirable Skills:

• Ability to lead independent research to develop enabling technologies for drug discovery
• Optimize and implement biochemical and phenotypic assays to characterize protein-protein interactions
• Protein expression, vector design and optimization, and lab automation experience are pluses
• Viral-mediated gene transfer, engineering, and production experience
• Expertise in routine cell-based assays such as luminescence and FRET-based assays, Western Blots, and Flow Cytometry.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $103,600 and $192,400 per year for Principal Scientist I, and $114,100 and $211,900 for Principal Scientist II. 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.

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