Principal Scientist II Full-time

Project Leader Neuroscience Genetics Medicine Unit

Novartis' Neuroscience Genetics Medicine Unit (GMU) is looking for a project leader at the cutting edge of discovery and development of innovative medicines for neurodegenerative disorders. The GMU specializes in leading gene therapy and RNA-based therapeutics through dynamic multi-disciplinary collaborations. We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated, results-oriented scientist based at our San Diego site with a proven track record of success in a creative, fast-paced environment and experience managing teams directly and indirectly. If this sounds like you, apply now!

Location: San Diego, CA

Internal job title: Principal Scientist II

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to creating and developing novel therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disease, with an emphasis on CNS drug delivery, oligonucleotide and/or AAV therapeutics.
• Communicate project strategy, scientific vision, and data to key stakeholders.
• Lead a team of associates in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments to deliver high quality data and enable timely project decisions.
• Deliver impact to projects by following both technical and conceptual trends in the neurodegenerative field.
• Develop and integrate models of neurodegenerative disease using in vivo systems in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams across the organization.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, consisting of experts in molecular biology, drug discovery, biologics and chemistry.
• Expertly relay information to all levels of the organization, as well as with our external partners and collaborators.

Minimum requirements:

• PhD in neuroscience, biology or a closely related field
• 5+ years (post PhD) of specific expertise in neurodegenerative diseases and/or CNS drug delivery, with two years in industry, highly preferred
• 2+ years' experience managing a team of associates
• Deep understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease and/or CNS drug delivery.
• Demonstrated expertise in establishing in vivo models of neurodegenerative disease to study disease mechanisms.
• Exceptional proficiency in various laboratory methodologies within neuroscience, including gene expression, functional testing and imaging.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, diligent attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a complex matrix teams. Thinking creatively to tackle scientific and operational challenges in a fast-paced drug discovery environment

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in animal models of neurodegenerative disease.
• Experience in CNS drug delivery modalities

Salary range: $126,000.00 – $234,000.00

Skills desired:

• Analytical skill
• Analytical thinking
• Chemical biology
• Chemistry
• Clinical trials
• Collaboration
• Communication skills
• Curious mindset
• 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

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 us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com 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.