Job ID
REQ-10082602
Jul 10, 2026
USA
Available in: English
Summary
As a Principal Scientist, you will lead and execute formulation development and characterization strategies for complex biologics-including monoclonal antibodies (mab's), multispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other modalities. You will work closely with a team of more than 10 associates, driving scientific excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation aligned with Novartis values.You will play a key role in shaping formulation strategies during early-stage development and supporting candidate selection by identifying developability risks. This position offers broad exposure to diverse biologics modalities and opportunities to contribute both experimentally and strategically.
About the Role
Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/IIPosition Location: Cambridge, MA, onsiteJob descriptionThe Biologics Center at Novartis Biomedical Research (BRC) is seeking a highly motivated leader and experienced scientist in biologics formulation to join the Analytics, Bioanalytic, and Formulation (ABF) unit. In this role, you will contribute to the development of a diverse portfolio of biotherapeutic modalities.The ABF unit supports the characterization and formulation of therapeutic protein candidates across multiple formats, spanning discovery through transition to development. Our multidisciplinary team brings deep expertise in physicochemical characterization, mass spectrometry, and formulation sciences within a collaborative, global environment.Role OverviewAs a Principal Scientist, you will lead and execute formulation development and characterization strategies for complex biologics-including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), multispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other modalities. You will work closely with a team of more than 10 associates, driving scientific excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation aligned with Novartis values.You will play a key role in shaping formulation strategies during early-stage development and supporting candidate selection by identifying developability risks. This position offers broad exposure to diverse biologics modalities and opportunities to contribute both experimentally and strategically.Key responsibilities:Design and execute formulation screening strategies for large-molecule therapeutics, with emphasis on mAbs and related biologic modalitiesLead studies to identify stable formulations and communicate results to cross-functional R&D teamsManage team resources, timelines, and deliverables with a strong customer-focused mindsetProvide leadership, mentorship, and direction to team members as the functional managerPromote a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment while engaging stakeholders across biologics discovery and technical developmentPartner with CMC teams to advance clinical candidates, finalize clinical formulations, and support drug product process developmentDevelop stabilization strategies for liquid, frozen, and lyophilized drug product formats for clinical developmentApply and interpret biophysical and analytical methods, including DSC, DLS, UV-Vis, turbidity, subvisible particle analysis, viscosity, SEC, and HICWork with automation teams to implement high-throughput formulation screening and physicochemical characterization across discovery, optimization, and early developmentOperate analytical instrumentation, analyze data, maintain ELN documentation, and author technical reportsContribute to data interpretation, scientific presentations, and cross-functional discussions within the global BRC communityEssential Requirements: PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experienceProven experience leading, coaching, and developing scientific teamsHands-on expertise in protein formulations and assessment of biophysical properties of the molecule (e.g., DLS, Viscosity, Thermal and colloidal stability)Strong background in developing strategies for formulations for large-molecule therapeutics, with understanding of early-stage development workflowsExperience designing and executing preformulation studies and interpreting stability-indicating assays (e.g., SEC, CE, charge variants, MS)Demonstrated problem-solving skills, scientific curiosity, and ability to work independentlyExcellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skillsDesirable Requirements: Knowledge of viral vector-based gene therapy (AAV, LVV) formulation and characterizationFamiliarity with DoE tools (e.g., JMP) for high-throughput experimental designExperience working with automated liquid handling systemsCompensation and Benefits:The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and between $119,700 and $222,300 per year for Principal Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-cultureBenefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally.Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
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 & Reasonable AccommodationsThe 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 [email protected] 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.
Division
Biomedical Research
Business Unit
Research
Location
USA
State
Massachusetts
Site
Cambridge (USA)
Company / Legal Entity
U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.
Functional Area
Research & Development
Job Type
Full time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No
Research & Development Biomedical Research USA
Job ID
REQ-10082602
Principal Scientist - Formulation
Apply to Job
Job ID
REQ-10082602
Principal Scientist - Formulation
Apply to Job
Novartis provides healthcare solutions that improve and extend people’s lives. We use science-based innovation to address some of society’s most challenging healthcare issues. We discover and develop breakthrough treatments and find new ways to deliver them to as many people as possible. Our company is focused on industry-leading divisions with innovation power and global scale: pharmaceuticals, eye care and generic medicines Novartis is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 120,000 associates and its products are available in more than 180 countries around the world.