Summary

#LI-Onsite

Location: Cambridge, MA

About the Role:
The Novartis BioMedical Research Oncology Disease Area is seeking an experienced scientist to join the Target Biology and Discovery (TBaD) group. The mission of our group is to uncover novel therapeutic targets and effective modalities to benefit cancer patients. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, innovative screening approaches, and in-depth mechanistic studies, the team initiates the crucial first steps in bringing new oncology medicines to the clinic.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

We are seeking a dedicated and innovative Senior Scientist to join our chemical biology team within the TBaD group.

• Utilize modern chemical genetics approaches to identify and validate novel targets and elucidate pathway dependencies in strategic oncology indications
• Develop and optimize cellular assays for hit compound identification and characterization, predominantly high-throughput degradation (HiBIT, Prolabel), protein-protein interaction (NanoBIT), viability (CTG), and reporter-gene assays
• Support project teams and help build key assay capabilities to drive chemical tool and early therapeutic development, as well as perform deep mechanistic studies.
• Leverage state-of-the-art genome-editing tools to perform genetic screens and support compound mechanism-of-action studies.
• Explore new therapeutic modalities, leveraging targeted protein degradation, molecular glues, and other proximity-inducing approaches to develop differentiated best-in-class therapeutics and address historically challenging targets
• Collaborate across departments and with external partners to foster growth and innovation within the team and department, and contribute to the culture of the group, are key aspects of this role
• Mentor and support junior scientists and new associates, as well as contribute to presentations that communicate research findings

• This position will be located at the Cambridge, MA site and will not have the ability to be located remotely. This position will not require travel.
• B.S or M.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Chemical Biology or related field.
• This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered (Senior Scientist I/II):
  • SSI Level: 3+ years of relevant industry experience in oncology, target validation, or related drug discovery activities.
  • SSII level: 6+ years of relevant industry experience in oncology, target validation, or related drug discovery activities.
• Experience in cellular assay development, hit compound identification, and downstream characterization.
• Strong proficiency in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology (vector design, cloning), protein analysis workflows (e.g. Western blotting, FACS), and CRISR-based gene editing technologies (e.g. base editing, prime editing, CRISPRi, CRISPRa, etc.)
• Clear track record of driving drug discovery projects and working efficiently with matrixed teams.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills, with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver high-quality results.
• A creative, curious, passionate, and scientifically fearless mindset dedicated to improving the lives of patients. Demonstrates strong critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills.

• Familiarity with automation systems that enable HTS in 384-well and 1536-well format
• Experience in chemical biology, induced proximity, targeted protein degradation, or molecular glues