Job ID
REQ-10078905
Jul 10, 2026
USA
Available in: English
Summary
We are seeking a Principal Scientist with deep expertise in Structural Biology to join our team in San Diego, CA. This is a highly collaborative and hands-on role spanning end-to-end workflows from protein construct design and protein production through high-resolution structure determination, contributing directly to drug discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas.
About the Role
Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/IILocation: onsite, San Diego, CA #LI-OnsiteAbout the Role:At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine through scientific excellence and innovation. Within the Discovery Sciences organization, the Protein Sciences group plays a pivotal role in advancing early-stage drug discovery by enabling deep structural and functional insights into therapeutic targets. Structural Biology is a cornerstone capability, enabling structure-guided drug discovery for some of the most challenging and high-impact targets in medicine.This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class structural biology team within one of the largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies. You'll have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, highly skilled and collaborative colleagues, and the chance to make meaningful contributions to the discovery and development of life-changing medicines.Key Responsibilities:Lead and execute protein production and X-ray crystallography to elucidate protein-small molecule, protein-peptide, and/or protein-protein interactions, supporting drug discovery initiativesSuccessfully drive gene-to-structural small molecule drug discovery projectsLeverage knowledge in protein production and structural biology to characterize structure-function relationships, investigate novel mechanisms of action, and address complex scientific questionsCollaborate with cross-functional teams, including protein scientists, biophysicists, chemists, and computational modelers, to facilitate structure-based drug designAdvance our initiatives and drug discovery programs by leveraging innovative approaches, such as applications of AI.Essential Requirements:Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field with over 5 years of relevant experience in X-ray crystallography within either industrial or academic settingsDemonstrated expertise in protein expression across E. coli, insect, and mammalian expression systems, as well as extensive experience in protein purification and characterizationProven track record in application of X-ray crystallography to characterize protein-ligand and protein-protein complexes, including crystallization screening and optimization, data processing, structure refinement and analysis.Outstanding communication skills, strong ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, and ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.Desirable Requirements:Understanding of AI/ML tools for structural biologyExperience with biochemical assays and biophysical methodsExperience with Cryo-EM is a plusThe 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
California
Site
San Diego
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-10078905
Principal Scientist, Structural Biology
Apply to Job
Job ID
REQ-10078905
Principal Scientist, Structural Biology
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.