Principal Scientist II, Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead Full-time

Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead

Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically accomplished Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead to serve as the biomarker representative and strategic advisor on DAx project teams. This role will lead the development and execution of preclinical and translational biomarker strategies from target validation through development candidate nomination and early clinical planning. The Biomarker Strategy Lead will partner closely with Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science and Biomarker Development to ensure biomarker plans are aligned with key program decisions and support target engagement, pharmacodynamic assessment, patient stratification, and translational decision-making. The successful candidate will act as the single point of contact for biomarker strategy within assigned DAx programs, integrating scientific, technical, operational, and external capabilities to deliver execution-ready biomarker plans that enable efficient progression of the portfolio.

Major accountabilities:

• Lead development of stage-appropriate preclinical and translational biomarker strategies for DAx programs from target validation through early clinical development readiness.
• Serve as the biomarker representative and single point of contact on assigned DAx project teams.
• Define biomarker hypotheses, context of use, evidence requirements, and decision criteria aligned with program milestones.
• Develop integrated biomarker plans encompassing assays, models, samples, analyses, timelines, and external partnerships.
• Partner across Biology, In Vitro, In Vivo, Data Science, Preclinical Safety, Quantitative Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Biomarker Development to align biomarker activities and execution.
• Generate translational evidence linking target biology, pharmacology, and biomarkers to support key portfolio decisions.
• Drive external collaborations and leverage innovative technologies, datasets, and human sample resources to strengthen biomarker strategies and research-to-development transition.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, immunology, translational medicine, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in translational research, biomarker strategy, biomarker discovery, or drug development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated experience developing biomarker strategies supporting drug discovery and development programs.
• Strong understanding of biomarker applications including target engagement, pharmacodynamics, patient stratification, disease activity, and mechanism-based biomarkers.
• Experience leading cross-functional matrix teams and influencing scientific strategy without direct authority.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Salary Range

• $114,100.00 – $211,900.00

Skills Desired

• Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Python (Programming Language), Science