Principal Scientist I

• Provide support at BR India within Discovery Sciences (DSc), focusing on small molecule lead identification and optimization in close collaboration with Novartis colleagues in the US and Switzerland, as well as Indian CROs, to discover and advance innovative therapies addressing areas of high unmet medical need.
• Make significant contributions to multidisciplinary project teams by developing and implementing in vitro activity assays, including biochemical, cell-based, and biophysical assays.
• Establish advanced assay protocols at CROs, adapting from internal Novartis SOPs or relevant literature sources.
• Oversee the transfer and troubleshooting of all assay protocols between Novartis project teams and CRO partners.
• Ensure timely and accurate data reporting into NVS databases, serving as the primary point of contact to identify and resolve issues related to assay performance, quality, or timelines.
• Develop and define key performance indicators (KPIs) for CROs—such as data quality, turnaround times, primary data analysis, documentation, and data upload formats—in coordination with BR project teams.
• Act as the primary liaison to the CRO, implementing best practices for assay management to ensure productivity, efficiency, and alignment with project priorities.
• Collaborate closely with multiple NVS line functions to facilitate project success.
• Represent BR to external organizations and cultivate new professional relationships.

What you will bring to the role

• PhD with 3-4 years or Master’s with 7-8 years of experience in life sciences, biochemistry, or related discipline with experience in drug discovery within biomedical or pharmaceutical research settings.
• Experience in assay development and data analysis using established quality control metrics, along with troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated scientific and technical background in drug discovery, with proficiency in assay development, optimization, and small molecule screening.
• Experience designing and implementing 384-well microplate assays for low molecular weight compound/ protein interactions, utilizing all the technologies in biochemical and cell-based assays
• Experience working with CROs and managing collaborative projects, including participation in assay development and execution for hit identification and optimization; experience with hit finding and screening is also considered advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented matrix environment and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

• Familiarity with enzymology, kinetics, and the mechanism of action studies is preferred.
• Willingness to engage with diverse perspectives and commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Proficient written and verbal English communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present and discuss project strategies and challenges collaboratively with project managers.
• Understanding of and adherence to Novartis health, safety, and environmental policies.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

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