Senior Scientist I / II – Translational Immuno‑Oncology Research (OTR)

Band

Level 3

 

Job Description Summary

Location: Cambridge
#LI-Onsite

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Oncology Translational Research (OTR) department at Novartis Biomedical Research in Cambridge, MA. OTR is a global, laboratory-based research organization supporting the Oncology Disease Area from early target identification through proof-of-concept clinical trials and late-stage development. OTR plays a critical role in understanding target biology and epidemiology, therapeutic mechanisms of action, response and resistance mechanisms, biomarker strategy, indication selection, and rational combination opportunities across multiple therapeutic modalities. This position is ideal for talented, highly motivated, and results-oriented individuals wishing to combine their interest in novel areas of cancer immunology with their strong desire to bridge exploratory research to early clinical trial design.

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Scientist I/II with demonstrated knowledge of cancer immunology, expertise in developing/executing assays leading to biomarker discovery and validation with a track record of innovation.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities, include, but are not limited to:

• Design, develop, troubleshoot, and optimize immunological assays—such as flow cytometry and single-cell profiling—and implement advanced technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and multiplexed imaging to characterize immune cell populations and identify biomarkers from peripheral blood and tissues.
• Conduct ex vivo immunology analyses and pharmacodynamic studies, focusing on tumor, immune cells from patient-derived samples.
• Support translational research by developing questions about mechanisms of action and novel biomarker identification.
• Document, analyze, and interpret results promptly to guide project strategy. Present findings to multidisciplinary teams.
• Independently plan and execute experiments, adapt lab techniques, communicate data, and contribute to publications. Train lab members in familiar methods and handle organizational responsibilities as needed.
• Lead increasingly complex experiments, supporting drug discovery and early development projects by advancing concepts to experimental decisions. Provide input to strategic discussions and collaborate across teams, building networks and training colleagues.

Essential Requirements

• This is a dual posting. The final level of the offered role will be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience, and capabilities required to perform the role at the offered level.
  • Senior Scientist I: Bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology or a related discipline with at least 5 years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in cancer immunology or a related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.
  • Senior Scientist II: Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related discipline with at least 7 years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in cancer immunology or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Advanced hands-on experience with multiparameter/spectral flow cytometry, including panel design, sample preparation, acquisition, and data analysis.
  • Experience with intracellular cytokine staining and cytokine arrays (such as MSD), utilized to quantify cytokine responses in experimental models and inform therapeutic strategies.
• Advanced skills in data analysis and presentation using GraphPad Prism and Spotfire, demonstrated by producing publication-ready figures and comprehensive statistical reports for research manuscripts.

• Independently designs experiments that align with project strategy and drive "go" or "no go" decisions.
• Conducts complex experiments and proactively introduces new techniques into the laboratory setting.
• Exhibits strong time management skills, focuses on deliverables, and effectively prioritizes tasks when designing and executing experimental plans.
• Communicates experimental results at department and project meetings.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in T/B cell, myeloid biology, including primary cell culture and immune cell assays with complex co-cultures with patient-derived material.
• Proficiency in IncuCyte-based assays or comparable real-time cytotoxicity platforms.
• Familiarity with using ELN systems for experimental documentation to streamline workflow and ensure reproducible record keeping.<