Research Scientist – Bioanalytics/SPR

Job Description Summary

The Biologics Research Center (BRC) discovers and develops biologic therapeutics to treat unmet medical needs in all of Novartis’s disease areas – ranging from oncology, to autoimmune disease, to respiratory diseases and cardiovascular disease. The Bioanalytics group in BRC works with other Novartis scientists to characterize and identify lead molecules as biotherapeutic drugs candidates. We use a range of technologies and approaches to evaluate recombinant protein and cell binding, epitope binning, functional activity to extensively characterize and identify lead molecules.

We are looking for a collaborative, inquisitive scientist with an interest and some experience in biologics discovery to join our team.

For this position, some direct experience in antibody characterization by surface plasmon resonance (e.g., Biacore) is required. Additional background in binding characterization using other approaches (e.g., Fortebio, Kinexa, flow cytometry, LigandTracer) and functional assay development (e.g., ELISA) are also relevant and preferred.

 

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Research Scientist II

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite

The Biologics Research Center (BRC) discovers and develops biologic therapeutics to treat unmet medical needs in all of Novartis’s disease areas – ranging from oncology, to autoimmune disease, to respiratory diseases and cardiovascular disease. The Bioanalytics group in BRC works with other Novartis scientists to characterize and identify lead molecules as biotherapeutic drugs candidates. We use a range of technologies and approaches to evaluate recombinant protein and cell binding, epitope binning, functional activity to extensively characterize and identify lead molecules.

We are looking for a collaborative, inquisitive scientist with an interest and some experience in biologics discovery to join our team.

For this position, some direct experience in antibody characterization by surface plasmon resonance (e.g., Biacore) is required.  Additional background in binding characterization using other approaches (e.g., Fortebio, Kinexa, flow cytometry, LigandTracer) and functional assay development (e.g., ELISA) are also relevant and preferred.

As a member of the Bioanalytics team, you must become proficient in developing Biacore methods to address project objectives. Eventually you will independently analyze and interpret Biacore data with the ability to draw own conclusions in alignment with project initiatives and generate own hypotheses to test, troubleshoot and execute the next set of experiments will some input from senior lab members.  In addition, you will train and become proficient in mammalian cell culture and cellular binding technologies to characterize antibody molecules binding to cells (e.g. Kinexa, LigandTracer).  You will serve on research teams where your data needs to be clearly compiled in a slide deck and effectively presented to the team.

Key responsibilities:

• Provides basic data analysis to interpret own experiments across various learned assays - assesses whether experimental hypothesis was appropriately tested and answered  

• Demonstrate awareness of other departmental activities related to assigned projects

• Operate in an interdisciplinary setting requiring a high degree of collaboration within and across teams with training of junior associates as needed

• Present research and participate constructively in working project teams and at lab meetings

Essential Requirements:

• MS or equivalent (e.g., university degree, etc.) in scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry or pharmacology or related, and relevant years of <2  years experience; or BS/apprenticeship (or equivalent) with appropriate and >2 years relevant years of experience in drug discovery, or other related laboratory research. This is not a PhD-level position.

• Direct experience in antibody characterization by surface plasmon resonance (e.g., Biacore).

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Demonstrated Novartis Values & Behaviors

• Distinguished team spirit and scientific drive

• High flexibility, combined with excellent organizational and communication skills

Desirable Requirements: 

• Background in binding characterization using other approaches (e.g., Fortebio, Kinexa, flow cytometry, LigandTracer) and functional assay development (e.g., ELISA)

• Experience with mammalian cell culture  

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $81,200