Principal Scientist, Biology (San Diego)

Job Description Summary

About the role:
#LI-Onsite
Location: La Jolla, CA
We are seeking an innovative and skilled scientist to identify and validate molecular targets in oncology that are susceptible to induced proximity drug discovery approaches, such as targeted protein degradation. This role involves executing assays and overseeing experiments using in vitro cellular systems to answer key scientific questions across various stages of drug development.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Drives programs through governance and actively participates in the preparation of IND enabling studies via in vitro and in vivo experimentation
• Conceptualizes, plans and leads/co‐leads novel projects with team and enables matrix collaboration on project to rapidly assess and achieve creative results for impact on Oncology goals.
• Generates innovative ideas within own team and/or project team/functional community to address technical challenges and/or answer project key scientific/technical/development questions.
• Establishes key scientific questions, aligns on project timelines, and priorities to enable data‐driven advancements within own team as well as the broader project team .
• Recognizes and leverages innovation opportunities with own team across projects with focus on relevant area of deep expertise; plans and executes approaches to enable strategic focus areas .
• Collaborate in cross-functional innovation and discovery initiatives to advance understanding of novel modalities and drive the development of groundbreaking targeting strategies in oncology.
• Influences and inspires own team and/or brings matrix collaborators together across the organization with eye for progressing teams towards decision points and deepening scientific understanding.

Essential Requirements:

• This position will be located at the La Jolla, CA site and will not have the ability to be located remotely. This position will not require travel.
• Ph.D. M.S., or B.S. degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 5-8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in leading bench-facing scientists to achieve programmatic goals and develop skills needed for continued growth.
• Highly organized, quality-focused management style with emphasis on communication and alignment of expectations and timelines.
• Demonstrable ability to creatively and constructively collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to drive programmatic success.
• Expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, cell biology, induced proximity drug discovery, and/or chemical genomics
• Knowledge and experience in moving programs through governance

Desirable Requirement:

• Previous industry experience in IND document preparation for small molecules is highly desired

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between: $119,700 and $222,300 / 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. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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 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

$119,700.00 - $222,300.00

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Curiosity, Data, Data Analysis, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Laboratory, Lifesciences, Machine Learning (Ml), Management, Medical Research, Molecular Biology {+ 10 more} #J-18808-Ljbffr