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Senior Scientist I

4-7 years
USD 93,000 – 174,000
10 Nov. 26, 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

Senior Scientist I / Senior Scientist II

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Job ID: REQ-10066840 | Posted: November 12, 2025
Division: Biomedical Research | Functional Area: Research & Development

Position Summary

Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Senior Scientist I or Senior Scientist II to join the Synaptic & Cellular Neurobiology Unit within the Neuroscience research department. This role is critical to advancing innovative therapeutic programs for neurological disorders. The selected candidate will design, execute, and deliver preclinical data generated through both in vitro cellular models and in vivo rodent models. This is an onsite scientific role supporting a diverse and matrixed research environment.

Role Overview

This position may be filled at the Senior Scientist I (SS1) or Senior Scientist II (SS2) level based on the applicant’s experience, technical ability, and scientific maturity. The role requires strong experimental skills, creativity in troubleshooting, and the ability to integrate data to support drug discovery decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and analyze experiments addressing major neuroscience research questions.
• Utilize in vitro and in vivo models to generate datasets that drive drug discovery program decisions.
• Implement and optimize in vitro methods including neuronal culture (mouse and human), immunocytochemistry, biochemical assays, fluorescence imaging, and quantitative image analysis.
• Conduct in vivo rodent studies including dosing, tissue collection, and ex vivo analysis.
• Perform surgical and non-surgical routes of administration such as stereotaxic injections, intracranial and intracerebroventricular administration, retro-orbital and tail-vein dosing.
• Maintain accurate, timely electronic laboratory notebook entries.
• Summarize and present data to interdisciplinary teams to support project advancement.
• At the SS2 level: propose novel experimental strategies, refine workflows, and contribute to project direction as an emerging scientific leader.

Essential Experience Requirements

For Senior Scientist I:
• Minimum 4 years of laboratory-based neuroscience research experience.

For Senior Scientist II:
• Minimum 7 years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to design scientific approaches, propose new studies, and lead experimental strategies.

Required Technical Expertise (SS1 and SS2):
• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, cell biology, or related discipline.
• Significant hands-on experience with rodent primary neuronal culture and cell-based assays.
• Proficiency in immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and data/statistical assessment.
• Experience with molecular and protein readouts (RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, JESS, MSD).
• Strong competency in in vivo rodent experimentation including stereotaxic brain surgery, CNS injections, peripheral dosing (IV, RO, IP), and advanced necropsy methods such as spinal cord and brain microdissection and CSF collection.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, and independent working capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in neuroscience, cell biology, or a related field.
• Industry experience representing at least half of total research experience.
• Experience with embryonic rodent brain dissection and neuronal dissociation.

Compensation

Senior Scientist I salary range: USD 85,000 – 158,000 annually.
Senior Scientist II salary range: USD 93,000 – 174,000 annually.
Final compensation is based on skills, experience, and internal equity.
Eligible for performance-based incentives and annual equity awards, depending on level.

Benefits

US-based employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Health, life, and disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match and contribution
• Paid vacation, personal days, holidays, and additional leave benefits
• Additional professional and wellness support programs

Why Join Novartis

Work with a community of passionate researchers dedicated to transforming the lives of patients. Novartis fosters scientific excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
Learn more: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Join the talent network for future opportunities:
https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

Review benefits and rewards:
https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Equal Employment Opportunity

Novartis is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, religion, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Accessibility

Applicants needing accommodation due to disability may contact:
us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com
or +1 (877) 395-2339
Include the Job Requisition Number in your request.

Position Details

Business Unit: Research
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Site: Onsite
Employment Type: Regular, Full-Time
Shift: Standard Day Shift