Principal Scientist 2 – Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead

Job Description Summary

Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically accomplished Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead to serve as the biomarker representative and strategic advisor on DAx project teams.

This role will lead the development and execution of preclinical and translational biomarker strategies from target validation through development candidate nomination and early clinical planning. The Biomarker Strategy Lead will partner closely with Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science and Biomarker Development to ensure biomarker plans are aligned with key program decisions and support target engagement, pharmacodynamic assessment, patient stratification, and translational decision-making.

The successful candidate will act as the single point of contact for biomarker strategy within assigned DAx programs, integrating scientific, technical, operational, and external capabilities to deliver execution-ready biomarker plans that enable efficient progression of the portfolio.

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• Lead development of stage-appropriate preclinical and translational biomarker strategies for DAx programs from target validation through early clinical development readiness.
• Serve as the biomarker representative and single point of contact on assigned DAx project teams.
• Define biomarker hypotheses, context of use, evidence requirements, and decision criteria aligned with program milestones.
• Develop integrated biomarker plans encompassing assays, models, samples, analyses, timelines, and external partnerships.
• Partner across Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, Preclinical Safety, Quantitative Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Biomarker Development to align biomarker activities and execution.
• Generate translational evidence linking target biology, pharmacology, and biomarkers to support key portfolio decisions.
• Drive external collaborations and leverage innovative technologies, datasets, and human sample resources to strengthen biomarker strategies and research-to-development transition.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, immunology, translational medicine, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in translational research, biomarker strategy, biomarker discovery, or drug development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated experience developing biomarker strategies supporting drug discovery and development programs.
• Strong understanding of biomarker applications including target engagement, pharmacodynamics, patient stratification, disease activity, and mechanism-based biomarkers.
• Experience leading cross-functional matrix teams and influencing scientific strategy without direct authority.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Rewards 

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. 

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave. 

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 

• USA: 114,100.00 - 211,900.00 USD Annual

The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.  

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process.  

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics. 

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf  

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.    

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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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture 

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

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 [email protected] 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

$114,100.00 - $211,900.00

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Python (Programming Language), Science