Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite

About the role:
OTR is a global laboratory-based research group, which supports the development of novel therapeutics in the Oncology Disease Area from early stages of target identification through proof-of-concept clinical trials. Key activities of our group include understanding target epidemiology and biology, therapeutic mechanisms of action, response/resistance biomarkers, indication selection and rational combination opportunities across a diversity of mechanisms of action. This position is ideal for talented, highly motivated, and results-oriented individuals wishing to help scientists with data acquisition/analysis/management, provide classroom and hands-on training to users, bring in-house and establish new flow cytometry technology, and combine their interest in novel areas of cancer immunology with their strong desire to bridge exploratory research to early clinical trial design.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Support the design and execution of flow cytometry-based assays to characterize immune cell populations and identify exploratory biomarkers.
Process and analyze clinical trial specimens using in-house flow-based assays.
Document, analyze, and interpret experiments in a timely manner to advise project strategy and next steps.
Present results in a variety of intra- and inter-departmental settings.
Perform daily instrument QC, weekly and monthly maintenance, of all instruments.
Train new users, assist users with experimental design, data acquisition and ad hoc trouble-shoot issues on cell analyzers, as well as data analysis.
Perform cell sorting on the BDFACSAria Fusions and train users to self-operate the Sony MA900 cell sorter.
Communicate with manufacturer's technical support and FSEs to arrange instrument preventive maintenance and repair.
Enforce facility user guidelines, develop and/or optimize user training, instrument operation and QC SOPs, as needed. Assist in data management in accordance with Novartis guidelines.
Purchase and inventory lab consumables.

Essential Requirements:

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.
This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offered 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 / Senior Scientist II):
- Senior Scientist I: Bachelor's degree in biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Engineering, Physics or related field with 5-8 years of experience OR Master's degree with 1+ year of experience in flow cytometry, cell biology, immunology, cancer immunology or related field
- Senior Scientist II: Bachelor's degree in biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Engineering, Physics or related field with 7-10 years of experience OR Master's degree with 2+ year of experience in flow cytometry, cell biology, immunology, cancer immunology or related field
Must be an expert with BD cell analyzers and cell sorters, including FACSFortessa and AriaFusion. Experience with single-cell sorting, cell proliferation and cell cycle analysis. Familiarity with other flow cytometry instrument platforms including but not limited to Agilent NovoCyte flow cytometer, Sony MA900 cell sorter, Cytek Aurora and BDFACSymphony A5 SE is a plus.
Proficiency with FlowJo data analysis software.
Practices efficient time management, focuses on deliverables, and is able to effectively prioritize when designing/undertaking experimental plan.
Analyzes and communicates own results to department/project meetings.
Excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be a team player, demonstrates patience, willingness to help others, ability to explain complex principles clearly and concisely to all experience levels.
Ability to occasionally lift objects weighing over 40 pounds.

Desired Requirements:

Experience with SpectroFlo, cell and gene therapy is a plus.
Experience in T cell/myeloid/B cell biology, primary cell culture, immune cell assay techniques is a plus.

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 $85,400 - $158,600 / year for the Senior Scientist I and $93,800 - $174,200 / year for the Senior Scientist II. While salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, 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.

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

$85,400.00 - $158,600.00

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Communication, Curiosity, Data, Data Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Group Problem Solving, Immunology, Laboratory, Large Group Presentations, Leading Project Teams, Life Science, Machine Learning (Ml), Mammalian Cell Culture {+ 10 more}