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Principal Scientist I/II - Exploratory Biomarkers

Novartis Group Companies
401(k)
United States, California, San Diego
Aug 11, 2025

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a creative and collaborative scientist to contribute to the discovery and early development of new biomarkers for neurological disorders. In this role, you will be responsible for leading a team through planning, executing, and summarizing results from preclinical in vitro and in vivo experiments, emphasizing fluid-based, structural, functional, and digital readouts. You will also work closely with bench and clinical scientists to develop biomarkers that translate from the lab to the bedside and back again. Your strong leadership skills will be essential to enable a team with a broad knowledgebase to work effectively in a highly matrixed and collaborative environment.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity!!

Job Description

#Hybrid-LI

Location: San Diego

Key Responsibilities:

  • Participate in the identification, development, and validation of both established and novel biomarkers to fulfill program needs
  • Work closely with clinical biomarker colleagues to identify and initiate exploration of emerging translatable biomarkers
  • Plan and perform studies that discover and characterize biomarkers for CNS, neuromuscular, and neurogenic conditions in human samples, animal models, and/or cell models.
  • Apply creative solutions to overcoming experimental challenges
  • Maintain state of the art knowledge on emerging technologies for assessing mRNA/proteins in biofluids
  • Analyze, summarize, and clearly present data to facilitate decision-making
  • Maintain an open and collaborative mindset to effectively lead a highly matrixed team

Essential Requirements:

  • Prin Sci I: MS with 5+ or PhD with 1+ years of relevant industry experience in neuroscience, pharmacology, biology, biomarkers, bioengineering, or a related field. Prin Sci II: PhD with 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Substantial experience with in vitro assays or in vivo animal models in a research setting
  • Knowledge of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disease models and their associated readouts
  • Experience with advanced data analysis techniques such as machine learning for extracting insights from complex datasets
  • Strong collaborative skills for communicating results, facilitating decision-making, and planning future steps
  • An adaptable, self-motivated personality, receptive to change
  • Experience managing/mentoring associates

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Understanding of digital biomarkers and their potential in neuroscience research
  • Proficiency in programming (particularly MATLAB) for data analysis and visualization

Please note: This role will be filled at the level of Principal Scientist I or II, commensurate to the accepted candidate's level of experience.

The salary for this position is expected to range between

  • Principal Scientist I: $108,000 and $201,000 per year
  • Principal Scientist II: $119,000 and $222,000 per year

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.

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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.

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

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, 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 {+ 10 more}
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