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Principal Scientist, Liquid Handling Lab Leader, Compound Management

5+ years
$103,600 – $192,400
10 Nov. 14, 2025
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: B.Sc/M.Sc/M.Pharma/B.Pharma/Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Principal Scientist I / II – Liquid Handling Lab Leader, Compound Management

Job ID: REQ-10066506
Date Posted: Nov 10, 2025
Location: Cambridge, MA (Onsite)
Division: Biomedical Research
Business Unit: Research
Functional Area: Research & Development
Employment Type: Full-time, Regular
Shift: No shift work
#LI-Onsite


🔹 Summary

Novartis is seeking a self-motivated, creative, and agile technology expert with deep expertise in liquid handling, compound management, and automation systems. This leadership role involves managing a high-throughput liquid handling laboratory, implementing new automation capabilities, driving efficiency, and developing a small team—all while contributing hands-on to operational excellence in drug discovery.

This position supports Discovery Sciences (DSc), responsible for managing over 2 million compound samples and enabling 200+ research projects across the organization.


🔹 About the Role

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I / Principal Scientist II
Location: Cambridge, MA – onsite

You will lead a liquid handling laboratory within the global Compound Management (CM) group, enabling fast, reliable compound plate preparation and supporting automation initiatives. Collaboration with CM teams in both the USA and Switzerland is central to this role.


🔹 Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Leadership & Operations

  • Manage a high-throughput liquid handling laboratory for compound plate generation.

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 1–3 associates.

Technical & Automation Responsibilities

  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton STARlet, Tecan Freedom EVO, CyBio FeliX, Echo acoustic dispenser).

  • Maintain and optimize automated compound management systems.

  • Implement new HT-pipetting and process automation capabilities in collaboration with CM automation engineering teams.

Process Excellence

  • Develop, update, and maintain SOPs, QC processes, and documentation.

  • Proactively identify and execute system and workflow improvements to enhance performance and reliability.

  • Coordinate and manage plating requests with internal stakeholders.

Communication & Collaboration

  • Present laboratory activities, performance, and improvements in cross-functional meetings.

  • Work collaboratively within global, multidisciplinary teams across Cambridge and Basel.


🔹 Essential Requirements

Education

  • BS/MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, or related field with 10+ years relevant experience,
    OR

  • PhD with 5+ years relevant experience.

Technical Skills

  • Advanced, hands-on expertise with automated liquid handling systems:

    • Hamilton STARlet

    • Tecan Freedom EVO

    • CyBio FeliX

    • Echo acoustic dispenser

  • Experience with automation software & scripting (e.g., Venus, EvoWare, Momentum, Cellario, GBG).

  • Strong background in compound management within small-molecule drug discovery.

  • High attention to detail, quality, and operational excellence.

Soft Skills

  • Strong organizational and time-management capabilities.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

  • Flexibility in managing shifting priorities.

  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.


🔹 Salary & Compensation

Salary Range

  • Principal Scientist I: $103,600 – $192,400 per year

  • Principal Scientist II: $114,100 – $211,900 per year

Final salary depends on:
✔ experience
✔ skills
✔ internal review & market factors

Additional Compensation

  • Performance-based cash incentive

  • Eligibility for annual equity awards

Benefits

US-based eligible employees receive:

  • Health, life, and disability insurance

  • 401(k) with company match + contribution

  • Generous paid time off (vacation, personal days, holidays, leaves)

  • Additional benefits per Novartis’ rewards program


🔹 Inclusion & Accessibility

Novartis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process for individuals with disabilities.