Senior Scientist - Oncology Translation Research (OTR)

Job Description Summary

Role Type: Onsite working, #LI-Onsite

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Relocation Support: This role is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

What if your expertise in tissue biomarkers could help reveal how new oncology medicines work and which patients may benefit? As a Senior Scientist I/II in Oncology Pathology Biomarkers, you will independently design and deliver tissue-based biomarker studies that support oncology programs from target discovery through clinical development. Working across pathology, molecular biology, translational research, and data science, you will apply advanced tissue assays, digital pathology, and spatial technologies to translate complex data into clear, decision-enabling insights.

This laboratory-based role sits within the Oncology Pathology Biomarkers team in Oncology Translational Research. It supports a range of oncology indications and therapeutic modalities using preclinical models and consented human tissue specimens.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret biomarker studies addressing critical oncology project questions.
• Develop, optimise, validate, and apply immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridisation assays.
• Perform quantitative whole-slide image analysis using digital pathology and artificial intelligence-enabled platforms.
• Collaborate with subject-matter experts to characterise preclinical models and answer scientific and technical questions.
• Manage external research partners and contract research organisations, including assay transfers, milestones, data exchange, and deliverables.
• Maintain high standards for data integrity, biosafety, laboratory operations, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate findings and recommendations through project discussions, scientific presentations, and study reports.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline, with relevant laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience with tissue-based biomarker methods such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, or in situ hybridisation.
• Experience optimising and troubleshooting biomarker assays and interpreting tissue-based experimental data.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments, analyse complex datasets, and make clear recommendations.
• Working knowledge of molecular and cell biology methods such as cell culture, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, or flow cytometry.
• Ability to manage multiple activities, prioritise deliverables, and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary matrix environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Desirable Requirement

• Experience using preclinical models and human tissue specimens in oncology translational research.
• Experience in basic pathology/ tissue histology.
• Broad understanding of the drug discovery and development pipeline.
• Experience with digital pathology, whole-slide imaging, quantitative image analysis, or AI-enabled image-analysis platforms.
• Experience with spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, multiplex tissue imaging, or related technologies.
• Experience transferring assays to or overseeing work performed by external partners or contract research organizations.

Working Arrangements

This is an onsite, laboratory-based position in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is not eligible for remote work, and no business travel is currently required.

What We Offer

This is a dual level posting and as such the salary for this position is expected to range between:

• Senior Scientist I: $93,800 - $174,200 per year
• Senior Scientist II: $98,700 - $183,400 per yea r
• 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

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Data Management, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Laboratory Research, Leading Project Teams, Life Science, Machine Learning (ML), Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research, Molecular Biology {+ 10 more}