Research Scientist, Cell Pharmacology - CVM

$84,000 - $126,000/Yr

Novartis - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Cambridge, MA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

We are seeking a highly motivated in vitro Research Scientist to join our Cell Pharmacology team in Cambridge. In this role, you will advance our understanding of disease biology, contribute to target identification efforts, and work towards the discovery and optimization of new drugs for CVM. The position involves collaboration with research scientists across multiple disciplines as well as translational medicine colleagues who support bringing our drugs to patients. Your work will be pivotal in supporting target identification, validation, and mechanism-of-action projects, which may include working with primary cells, human iPSC derived cardiomyocytes, and/or tissues. You will devise, develop, and perform cell-based assays for drug discovery, occasionally employing molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, as well as biochemical and biophysical techniques. Additionally, you will support animal biology and pharmacology studies by developing and performing ex vivo assays, conduct data analyses, and document experiments. Collaboration is key, and you will be expected to work effectively in a matrixed environment, employing good laboratory practices, data recording, and documentation. Presenting results in lab and department meetings and assisting in writing research documents and publications will also be part of your responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Support target identification, validation and mechanism-of-action projects, including work with primary cells, human iPSC derived cardiomyocytes, and/or tissues.
• Devise, develop and perform cell-based assays for drug discovery.
• Occasionally employ molecular biology techniques (e.g. qPCR), biochemical and biophysical techniques.
• Support animal biology and pharmacology studies by developing and performing ex vivo assays.
• Conduct data analyses and documentation of experiments.
• Collaborate effectively while working in a matrixed environment.
• Employ good laboratory, data recording and data documentation practices.
• Present results in lab and department meetings.
• Assist in writing research documents and publications.

Requirements

• Master's degree in biochemistry, molecular or cell biology, biophysics, biomedical engineering or a related field, or a Bachelor's degree with 3 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Significant experience with cell culture is required.
• Flexibility and aptitude for learning, with the ability to quickly grasp new techniques and apply them to your work.
• Experience in generation, analysis, and presentation of scientific data.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work optimally in a matrixed team environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in independently developing, executing, and troubleshooting cell-based assays for drug discovery is preferred.
• Experience with qPCR and iPSC derived cells is a plus, but not required.
• Experience with gene silencing (RNAi or CRISPR) or other target validation activities is a plus, but not required.
• Experience with RNAseq and other ‘omics technologies is a plus, but not required.

Benefits

• 401(k) eligibility
• Various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Sign-on bonus
• Restricted stock units
• Discretionary awards
• Full range of medical and financial benefits