Senior Scientist II, siRNA

Job Description Summary

Internal Title: Senior Scientist II
Position onsite in Cambridge, MA
LI #onsite

We are seeking a highly motivated lab-based Senior Scientist II whose focus will be on siRNA discovery in the xRNA Team within Biomedical Research Center (BRC) based in Cambridge. The BRC builds the biologics pipeline in collaboration with Biomedical Research Disease Areas via a breadth of technologies for discovery of antibody, protein, gene therapy and RNA-based therapeutics.

The successful candidate will have strong research experience in RNA therapeutics and will have a key role in assay development and screening.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, plan and conduct routine siRNA screening in cell-based transfection assays using qPCR and reporter-based systems
• Perform novel assay development and optimization for cell-based assays with a focus on improving throughput with automation
• Contribute to designing, and developing automated workflows
• Operate automated liquid handling robotics platform
• Expertise in tissue sample processing to assess gene and protein expression via RT-qPCR, Western blot or ELISA
• With supervision lead junior scientists in the lab and with data analysis
• Represent xRNA team on cross-functional project teams to advance siRNA programs through the development pipeline
• Document experiments in lab notebook, conduct data analysis, interpretation and present findings to team in a timely manner

Requirements:

• A minimum of a Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, cell biology or related scientific discipline
• A minimum of 5 years of research experience
• Expertise in cell culture and conducting mRNA read outs (qPCR and/or branch DNA assays)
• Experience with liquid handlers and automation of cell based assays
• Experience with cross functional teams and ability to serve as a point of contact for the team with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of MS office and expertise in Excel
• Strong multi-tasking, organizational, attention to detail, verbal/written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate and thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Desired Requirements:

• Primary cell culture experience
• Expertise in Spotfire and/or GraphPad PRISM
• Expertise with BioMek or Opentrons liquid handlers

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

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 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 $93,800-$174,200/year; however, 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. Detai