Job Description Summary
#LI-Onsite
Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
At Novartis Oncology Immune Therapeutics we discover and advance immune therapies that harness immune cells against cancer. We are seeking a highly collaborative scientist to lead biology and drug-discovery efforts for novel immune cell engagers and multispecific immune modulators. The successful candidate will combine cancer-immunology expertise, rigorous decision making and cross-functional leadership to advance programs from target validation toward clinical development and contribute to broader immune-engager strategy.
Job Description
Key responsibilities
Identify and validate tumor-targeting strategies for immune cell engagers and/or multispecific immune modulators.
Lead biology strategy and execution for multidisciplinary drug-discovery programs, defining goals, critical experiments, decision criteria and differentiated product profiles.
Serve as project team leader and/or biology lead, integrating antibody engineering, disease biology, translational, pharmacology, safety, biomarker, data science and clinical perspectives.
Design and interpret mechanistic studies of immune cell activation, anti-tumor activity, target biology, selectivity, resistance and safety-relevant biology.
Present evidence-based recommendations, risks and development plans at governance reviews.
Supervise and develop scientists while building productive internal and external collaborations.
Contribute to immune-engager strategy, target and indication prioritization, and next-generation modality innovation.
Minimum requirements
PhD in cancer biology, immunology or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant research and/or industry experience; or MS with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
Strong expertise in cancer biology and/or immunology (especially T cell and/or myeloid cell biology).
Expertise in tumor immunology, especially T cell mediated anti-tumor activity, tumor-associated myeloid cell biology and immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
Proficient in immune-cell functional assays and complex immunophenotyping analysis, including integrated in vitro and ex vivo assays as well as multiparameter flow cytometry.
Experience in antibody, multispecific biologic and/or immune-engager discovery within cross-functional teams.
Ability to formulate hypotheses, design rigorous experiments, interpret complex data and translate findings into project decisions, evidenced by a strong track record of research publications.
Excellent communication, presentation, analytical and collaboration skills.
Highly desirable, especially for Senior Principal Scienti st
Strong track record in T-cell engager or myeloid cell-engager discovery, with leadership from target validation through IND-enabling or early clinical activities.
Demonstrated success as a project team leader, aligning multidisciplinary stakeholders and driving decisions through scientific and organizational complexity.
End-to-end program perspective connecting indication biology, modality design, translational strategy, differentiation and development path.
Innovation in next-generation immune engagers or multispecific concepts, such as dual-targeting, logic-gated or TME-dependent approaches, and associated discovery workflows.
Experience in mentoring junior project leaders and a broader scientific reputation demonstrated through publications, patents, presentations or collaborations.
Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:
Role Leveling (Dual Posting)
This is a dual posting. The final level and title will be determined by the hiring team based on skills, experience, and capabilities.
The salary for this position is expected to range between:
Principal Scientist II: $126,000 - $234,000 per year.
Senior Principal Scientist: $132,300 - $245,700 per year
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…