Senior Scientist I/II, Protein Engineering-REQ10019930

Job Description Summary

Position is onsite in Cambridge, MA
We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Senior Scientist I/Senior Scientist II to join the Biologics Engineering and Conjugation (BEC) unit within the Biologics Research Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts This division is the innovation engine of Novartis, focusing on powerful new technologies that have the potential to produce therapeutic breakthroughs for patients. The Biologics Research Center (BRC) builds the biologics pipeline in collaboration with Disease Areas (DA) and Platforms to create innovative biotherapeutics that can improve lives of patients.

The BEC group drives a diverse portfolio of biologics drug discovery programs including various protein modalities, ADC and RLT through novel AI driven protein engineering and structure-based rational design approaches. In this role, you will have opportunity to learn new and cutting-edge technologies and grow your career in Novartis and in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Job Description

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Implement state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools and structure-based rational design approaches into protein engineering process to improve functionality and developability of novel biologics modalities to support biologics discovery pipeline programs and technology development projects
• Target discovery through lead compound engineering and selection
• Independently design and execute experiments to express, purify, characterize and chemically modify engineered proteins for lead generation and optimization
• Analyze results, interpret and communicate data and findings efficiently to represent protein engineering group in cross-functional project team meetings
• Support other research activities within group and unit as needed

What you’ll bring to the role:

• A minimum of a Masters degree in biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, cell biology. With a Master’s degree at least 5 years of post-graduate experience in academia or industry or fields related to antibody/protein engineering. PhD is preferred.  
• Proficient skills in using molecular biology software (such as SnapGene) for construct design and DNA sequence analysis  
• Experience in recombinant protein expression techniques in bacterial and mammalian cell system
• Expertise with at least two of the protein purification methods such as affinity, IEX, SEC and HIC.
• Familiarity with Akta FPLC systems
• Demonstrated success in structure-based protein design required
• Working knowledge of bioinformatics tools and databases
• Excellent team player with collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills to work with cross functional/departmental teams to drive drug discovery projects.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail.

This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered (Senior Scientist I /Senior Scientist II)

Desired Requirements:

• Knowledge with protein refolding and conjugation is a plus
• Deep understanding of protein characterization techniques to evaluate protein quality/stability, such as SDS-PAGE, Western blot, BioCore, analytical HPLC, MS, DLS, DSF and SEC-MALS is preferred
• Experience in primary cell culture and cell-based assay development is desired.

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,