ADME Scientist, Antibody–Oligonucleotide Conjugates (Principal Scientist I/II) Full-time

ADME Scientist

Novartis is seeking a highly motivated ADME scientist for a laboratory-based role supporting the discovery and early development of antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates, including antibody-siRNA and antibody-PMO modalities. The successful candidate will bring hands-on experimental expertise in biotransformation, biological sample preparation, immunoprecipitation/affinity capture, LC-MS-based characterization, and in vitro/in vivo ADME workflows to enable data-driven candidate selection and translational decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute fit-for-purpose ADME and biotransformation workflows for antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates in biological matrices.
• Apply immunoprecipitation and affinity-capture methods to enrich antibody-conjugated species from plasma, tissue, and cellular samples.
• Use LC-MS/MS and high-resolution MS approaches to assess conjugate integrity, stability, biotransformation, and tissue biodistribution.
• Independently design, troubleshoot, and interpret in vitro and in vivo studies linking laboratory findings to PK/PD and candidate selection decisions.
• Provide ADME input to project strategy and translational decision-making in collaboration with discovery and development teams.
• Prepare clear study plans, technical reports, project summaries, regulatory content, and internal scientific presentations.
• Resolve assay and workflow challenges through practical solutions that improve data quality, throughput, and scientific impact.
• Ensure high standards of laboratory documentation, data integrity, safety, and compliance with Novartis procedures.

Essential Requirements

• PhD, MSc, or BSc in pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline, with relevant industry experience in ADME, DMPK, biotransformation, or biologics/new modality research.
• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience with immunoprecipitation, affinity capture, biological sample preparation, and LC-MS/MS or HRMS-based workflows is required.
• Strong understanding of ADME principles and their application to new modalities, including oligonucleotides, antibody conjugates, biologics, or other complex therapeutics.
• Experience developing or executing LC-MS/MS or HRMS-based methods to characterize metabolic stability, biotransformation, and molecular fate of antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, matrixed project environment and communicate complex scientific data clearly to project teams.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, scientific rigor, and ability to manage multiple studies and priorities.
• Fluent oral and written English.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates, antibody-siRNA conjugates, antibody-drug conjugates, therapeutic proteins, or other targeted delivery platforms.
• Knowledge of oligonucleotide metabolism, nuclease-mediated degradation, linker stability, conjugate heterogeneity, and tissue distribution challenges.
• Experience with biological sample preparation from plasma, tissue homogenates, cells, or subcellular fractions.
• Familiarity with ligand-binding assays, hybridization-based assays, ligand capture LC-MS workflows, proteomics, or intact/protein-level mass spectrometry.
• Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling, assay miniaturization, or higher-throughput sample preparation.
• Experience contributing to IND/IMPD-enabling packages, regulatory documentation, or project transition reports.