Senior Scientist, Functional Genomics, Screening & Automation

Job Description Summary

We are currently seeking a scientist with strong skills in cell and molecular biology, with extensive hands-on experience in genomic screening and automation. You will be responsible for developing and optimizing cell-based assays for high-throughput functional genomic screening, with the goal of identifying targets and developing therapeutic concepts for transitioning projects into the clinic.

Job Description

** This role requires significant hands-on experience with genomic screening and automation**

• Internal Job Title: Senior Scientist I/Senior Scientist II

• Location: On-site, Cambridge, MA

Job Description summary:

We are currently seeking a scientist with strong skills in cell and molecular biology, with extensive hands-on experience in genomic screening and automation. You will be responsible for developing and optimizing cell-based assays for high-throughput functional genomic screening, with the goal of identifying targets and developing therapeutic concepts for transitioning projects into the clinic.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and optimize cell-based biological assays for high-throughput genomic screening. It is crucial for candidates to have the requisite expertise in utilizing automation for small to high throughputs screening.

• The ideal candidate should have a strong proficiency in cell culture techniques, particularly with cancer cell lines, iPSCs, and other advanced complex cell models such as organoids and primary cells.

• 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.

Role Requirements:

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

• BS or MS plus 7+years in biology (or relevant field), with applicable related experience.  We may also consider advanced degrees with relevant experience.

• 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 expertise in molecular biology and cell biology techniques, including but not limited to Western Blot, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and rt-PCR and NGS library preparation.

• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and data analysis pipelines related to high-throughput genomics and small molecules screening.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail, with a track record of troubleshooting and resolving technical challenges in an automated setting and with assay development in multi-well format.

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

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

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO: 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.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $92,800 to $153,600/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/24 through 12/31/24, 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 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 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

$92,800.00 – $139,200.00

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}