Senior Scientist, Translational Preclinical Models, MPS Automated Cell Culture & Innovation

About the Company

Responsibilities

• ● reproducible, automation-ready processes, generate high-quality cellular models at scale, and enable project teams with reliable data and fit-for-purpose model systems. This opportunity is well suited to a collaborative scientist who enjoys troubleshooting, managing multiple workflows, and improving laboratory systems through innovation.
• ● Internal Job Title: Senior Scientist I/II
• ● Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite
• ● The Discovery Sciences department at Novartis BioMedical Research is seeking a Senior Scientist I/II to support manual and large-scale automated tissue culture and advanced human model systems. The successful candidate will operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and develop scalable workflows across automated tissue culture platforms while partnering with scientists to deliver consistent, well-characterized cell models. The role requires practical expertise spanning cell biology, laboratory automation and scheduling software, microscopy, image analysis, and experimental data interpretation.
• ● Maintain, expand, cryopreserve, and characterize human pluripotent stem cell lines, including iPSC and hESC cultures.
• ● Execute multiple stem cell differentiation protocols in parallel while maintaining experimental schedules, traceable documentation, and quality standards.
• ● Perform large-scale iPSC culture in a controlled laboratory environment using automated liquid-handling platforms and high-throughput robotic systems.
• ● Program, operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated tissue culture platforms, including flask-based CellTrio systems and plate-based HighRes Biosolutions systems.
• ● Develop and apply microscopy and image-analysis workflows to monitor cell health and enable data-driven, real-time decisions on automated platforms.
• ● Establish, maintain, and operate microphysiological systems, organ-on-chip models, and advanced 3D tissue culture platforms, including routine monitoring, functional assessment, and data documentation.
• ● Design, execute, and optimize MPS-based studies with cross-functional scientists to improve experimental quality, reproducibility, and translational relevance.
• ● Perform imaging, functional characterization, and data analysis to evaluate model performance and support drug discovery and translational research programs.
• ● Create and improve SOPs, maintenance manuals, and start-up procedures; train users; prepare required media and reagents; and coordinate cell-production needs with project teams.

Requirements

• ● B.S. or M.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related discipline, with 4+ years of relevant post-graduate experience. We will also consider recent PhD graduates, within the last 2 years, with relevant experience.
• ● Hands-on experience maintaining mammalian cell cultures, including human cancer cell lines and/or iPSCs, with strong aseptic technique and cell-quality practices.
• ● Working knowledge of microscopy, image-based monitoring, and quantitative data analysis for cellular models.
• ● Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot effectively, and collaborate across project teams and stakeholders.
• ● Familiarity with HighRes BioSolutions/Cellario robotic platforms, CellTrio RoboCell, Sartorius CompacT, liquid handlers, bulk dispensers, and associated laboratory automation software.
• ● Compensation and Benefits:
• ● The salary for this position is expected to range between 93,800 and 174,200 per year for Senior Scientist I, and 98,700 and 183,300 for Senior Scientist II. 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 click here .
• ● EEO Statement:
• ● The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
• ● Accessibility and reasonable accommodations
• ● The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
• ● Salary Range 93,800.00 - 174,200.00