Principal Scientist I, Structural Biologics

Job Description Summary

Position is onsite in San Diego, CA

The Biologics Research Center, Structural Biologics department is looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist to support experimental structural biology across multiple biotherapeutic programs. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in all aspects of the gene to structure pipeline including the acquisition and interpretation of structural biology data from X-ray crystallography and/or CryoEM. The candidate will be part of multidisciplinary teams that support early to late stage biotherapeutic drug discovery programs by providing structural data and protein engineering support. They will use their experience in the gene-to-structure pipeline to address the challenges of high-resolution structure determination to support the design of novel biotherapeutics capable of addressing the next generation of biomedical applications.

Job Description

Your Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design, troubleshooting and execution of experiments to determine the structure of multi-protein complexes by X-ray crystallography or CryoEM with an aim to support the design and development of novel biotherapeutics.
• Working closely across experimental and computational groups to address key scientific questions.
• Communication of results to multidisciplinary teams across the larger Novartis research organization.
• Prioritization, coordination and efficient time management of experimental deliverables.
• Mentor junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence. Contribute to overall strategy in the structural biology group.
• Awareness of the external technology landscape and its application to biotherapeutic drug development.
• Participation as structural biology representative on drug discovery and technology project teams, contributing to overall project strategy with accountability within the project for own area of expertise.

What you'll bring to the role as a Principal Investigator I:

• PhD degree in biophysics, biochemistry, or related discipline with a proven record in experimental structural biology.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in common protein purification methods (Affinity, IMAC, SEC) and molecular biology techniques (cloning, DNA isolation, transformation, etc.)
• Demonstrated independent thought/creativity in science with attention to details.
• Proven ability in structural biology methods (either X-ray crystallography and or CryoEM, both preferred) including protein crystallization, crystal optimization, CryoEM sample and grid preparation, data acquisition, map generation and structure solution.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capability for challenging structural biology projects, with expertise in developing protocols for dealing with novel protein targets.
• High degree of self-motivation and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Desire to learn/operate across numerous functions (expression, purification, analytics, structural biology, and computational modelling).

Desired Requirements:

• Experience with using AI-based techniques to facilitate protein construct design, engineering and protein structure prediction is preferred.
• Familiarity with analytical and biophysical methods (light scattering, ITC, DSC, LCMS, anSEC, etc.) and laboratory automation is highly desirable.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 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 $112,800-$169,200/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.

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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 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: $112,800.00 - $169,200.00

Skills Desired: 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.