Research Scientist I

Job Description

6000! This is the number of associates in the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR). This division is the innovation engine of Novartis, focusing on new technologies that have the potential to help produce therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

The Biologics Center (NBC) is accommodated within the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR). NBC, in collaboration with the disease areas 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 looking for a Research Scientist who is highly motivated, flexible and an adaptable team player to join the Antibody Discovery group within NBC in Cambridge, MA. You will participate in the generation of high-quality biologics to initiate and competitively advance the NIBR biologics pipeline by independently performing antibody screening followed by binding and functional characterization.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
•Apply state-of-the art immunization-based antibody discovery techniques with the associated, B-cell isolation, hybridoma generation, selection, cell culture and high-throughput screening.
•Perform antibody sequencing from hybridoma and/or single B-cells.
•Characterize antibody properties through various techniques for affinity and activity.
•Work effectively and collaboratively in a large team within function as well as across functions.
•Independently generate hypotheses, troubleshoot, design, and execute experiments with the input from senior team members, mentors and supervisors.
•Document experimental results contemporaneously and comprehensively in laboratory notebooks as well as in internal Databases.
•Present research updates and participate constructively in working project teams and at laboratory group meetings.

Diversity & 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.

Minimum Requirements

What you’ll bring to the role:
•BS/MS in Biological Sciences with extensive laboratory experience in antibody discovery with demonstrated success in hybridoma-based antibody discovery is required
•Excellent oral and written communication as well as interpersonal skills. Self-motivation, enthusiasm, and scientific curiosity are instrumental for success in this role.
•Solid background in molecular biology, cell biology and protein biochemistry are required.
•Extensive experience in mammalian tissue culture is required.
•Experience in flow cytometry and FACS sorting is required.
•Experience in biophysical and biochemical techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry (iQue), epitope binning, reporter gene assays, Octet, Biacore, etc.
•Experience in Next-Generation sequencing is highly desired; preferably experience/knowledge of single cell NGS systems such as 10x Genomics.
•Familiarity with laboratory automation and working in high-throughput manner.
•Experience in single B-cell antibody discovery and the respective cell isolation techniques is highly desired.
•Experience with microfluidics for cell encapsulation, sorting and ideally antibody discovery is desired.

Why Novartis?
766 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2021, and while we’re proud of this, we know there is so much more we could do to help improve and extend people’s lives.

We believe new insights, perspectives and ground-breaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation. That a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment inspires new ways of working.

We believe our potential can thrive and grow in an unbossed culture underpinned by integrity, curiosity and flexibility. And we can reinvent what's possible, when we collaborate with courage to aggressively and ambitiously tackle the world’s toughest medical challenges. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying!

Imagine what you could do here at Novartis!

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations: Individuals in need of a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or disability 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.

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

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $62,900.00 and $94,300.00 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 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.