Principal Scientist II, Drug Discovery – Kidney Diseases

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist II

Job Location: Cambridge, MA onsite

About the role:

We are seeking an innovative and dynamic scientist with broad expertise in nephrology to join a vibrant research team focused on finding new transformative therapies for people living with renal disease.

In this role, you will be responsible for driving research programs focused on delineating the key mechanisms involved in proteinuric kidney diseases and progressing new targets towards drug discovery. This individual will join the Renal Research team within Disease Area X (DAx) in Biomedical Research and report to the Head of Renal Research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the Biomedical Research drug discovery process with the goal of progressing the development of new therapeutic options for patients with chronic kidney diseases.

• Formulate novel target hypothesis based on human disease mechanisms using deep and broad scientific expertise in renal physiology and pathophysiology of proteinuric kidney diseases.

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo research plans to deliver high quality data-driven package and enable project decisions. Deliver impact to projects by identifying technical trends, both internal and external to your discipline.

• Lead multi-disciplinary project team(s) to portfolio transitions a/o decision milestones.

• Enable partnerships with data scientists, external partners, and individuals across Biomedical Research Disease Areas and platform functions.

• Develop and communicate project strategy, scientific vision, and data to key stakeholders.

• Manage and develop a team of research scientists. Develop and maintain external relationships/contacts.

Essential Requirements:

• A PhD and/or MD degree with postdoctoral experience and a minimum of three years of research in renal biology and physiology, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• In-depth knowledge of kidney (patho-)physiology, including cultivation and analysis of complex renal cell-based platforms, e.g. 3D kidney organoids, primary 2D/3D endothelial or epithelial cell systems.

• Extensive “hands-on” experience and proven track-record in the use of a wide range of cellular, biochemical and genome editing methods and technologies to unravel complex cellular signaling pathways.

• Proficiency in “state of the art” computational and analytical approaches and comfortable with analyzing large scale genetic, NGS and single cell datasets.

• A track record of leading drug discovery projects and working alongside disease areas specialists to bring mechanistic target biology and target validation understanding for renal diseases.

• Ability to lead a project and plan ahead, be well organized and effectively use resources to execute experiments and deliver high quality data in a timely fashion.

• A proven scientific impact on innovation through a solid publication track record and strong external scientific network with academic experts.

• Experience in leading and mentoring associates and cross-functional teams.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills (in English) are essential.

Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $124,000 to $186,000/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/24 through 12/31/24, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.