Senior Principal Scientist, Translational Profiling Imaging at Novartis in Cambridge (USA)

Job description

• We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to lead a small group of biologists with advanced imaging expertise. You will drive integration of new spatial proteomics and imaging technologies across matrix teams to enable complex target discovery and validation across disease areas.
• This position is part of the imaging team within the Translational Profiling group in Discovery Sciences, Biomedical Research at Novartis. The Translational Profiling group is a global multidisciplinary team with expertise in advanced imaging, metabolomics and lipidomics, proteomics, and data science. Working in close collaboration with disease area teams, the group supports drug discovery projects from early target identification through mechanism of action studies to accelerate the development of transformative therapies for patients.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and application of innovative translational biology, imaging, and profiling strategies to address critical questions across the drug discovery pipeline.
• Design, develop, and implement novel assays and integrated workflows leveraging imaging, spatial biology, proteomics, and complementary technologies.
• Maintain an active hands-on scientific presence through experimental design, assay development, troubleshooting, and interpretation of complex datasets.
• Generate biological insights into disease mechanisms, therapeutic mechanisms of action, tissue targeting, pharmacology, and translational biomarkers.
• Lead cross-functional matrix teams and collaborate closely with project teams, platform scientists, and disease-area researchers to drive impactful scientific outcomes.
• Shape the strategy and evolution of imaging, spatial biology, and translational profiling capabilities, identifying opportunities for innovation and capability expansion.
• Establish and manage external collaborations to evaluate and implement emerging technologies that strengthen research capabilities.
• Mentor and develop scientists, fostering scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Communicate scientific findings and strategic recommendations to project teams, research leaders, and senior stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or a related life sciences discipline, with 7+ years of postgraduate experience driving innovative research in a drug discovery setting.
• Strong expertise in experimental biology, including cellular and tissue-based models, with hands on experience in confocal, super resolution, and other advanced microscopy approaches.
• Proven track record of applying imaging and translational biology approaches to investigate disease mechanisms, therapeutic mechanisms of action, target biology, tissue and cell targeting, and translational hypotheses across multiple disease areas.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership experience, including mentoring and developing scientists and influencing cross-functional teams within a matrixed research environment.
• Passion for scientific innovation and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled approaches for imaging, omics, and multidimensional biological data analysis.
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a strong record of scientific impact and innovation.
• Experience integrating imaging and multi-omics approaches to drive biological insight generation and decision-making.
• Target and drug discovery experience in an industry setting.

Skills

Required

• Confocal microscopy
• Super resolution microscopy
• Advanced microscopy
• Imaging and translational biology
• Scientific leadership
• Mentoring and developing scientists
• Cross-functional team influence
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Problem-solving

Benefits

• The salary for this position is expected to range between $138,600 and $257,400 USD annually for Senior Principal Scientist, and $152,600 and $283,400 USD annually for Associate Director. 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.
• To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.