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.
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