Research Scientist – Gene Therapy Neuroscience

Research and Development       ·         San Diego, CA          ·      Full time

Job ID: 354757BR
Post Date: Oct 07, 2022
Location: USA

Job Description

Over 900+ clinical trials validate that gene therapies are transforming the practice of medicine.

Ready to join a team committed to developing and commercializing gene therapies for patients and families devastated by rare neurological genetic diseases? Novartis is advancing cutting-edge science, starting with our proprietary gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We are in the midst of an incredible journey and are looking for passionate individuals to join us on this important mission.

Novartis is dedicated to developing and commercializing novel treatments for patients suffering from rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases. Our initial product is a proprietary gene therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pediatric patients with SMA. In addition to developing a treatment for SMA, Novartis also plans to develop other novel treatments for rare neurological diseases, including Rett syndrome and a Friedreich’s ataxia.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Cross-program molecular biology support, including biodistribution studies, quality control work to validate reagents, and construct design.
• Execution of RNA/DNA isolation, ddPCR, ELISA assays, flow cytometry, RNAseq library preparation, and additional molecular biology work as assigned.
• Support in vitro bioassays, including but not limited to the development of cell potency assays, engineered cell lines, and disease-relevant in vitro systems.
• Provide administrative and operational support for the In Vitro Pharmacology team, including procurement, online database maintenance, and lab management activities.
• Manage interactions with CRO’s.
• Plan, execute, and analyze experiments under supervision while maintaining contemporaneous and detailed documentation of results.
• Help to maintain and ensure a safe laboratory environment and good laboratory practices.
• Collaborates across a dynamic scientific environment.

Diversity & 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.

Minimum Requirements

What You’ll Bring To The Role:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related scientific discipline with at least 2 years of laboratory experience, preferably in an industry setting.
• Detail-oriented with superior critical thinking, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, including transient transfections, viral transductions, RNA interference, and banking. Experience with iPSC’s is a plus.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA/RNA isolation, biochemical and protein assays, and immunofluorescence.
• Experience/knowledge of ddPCR, RNAseq, and FACS is preferred.
• Ability to independently search literature, communicate with CRO’s, and troubleshoot basic scientific results.
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Why Novartis?

766 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2021, and while we’re proud of this, we know there is so much more we could do to help improve and extend people’s lives.

We believe new insights, perspectives and ground-breaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation. That a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment inspires new ways of working.
We believe our potential can thrive and grow in an unbossed culture underpinned by integrity, curiosity and flexibility. And we can reinvent what’s possible, when we collaborate with courage to aggressively and ambitiously tackle the world’s toughest medical challenges. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying!

Imagine what you could do here at Novartis!

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

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

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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to tas.nacomms@novartis.com 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.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants…

Vaccine Policy: While Novartis does not require vaccination at this time, for certain Novartis sites in the US all associates and candidates may be required to either upload an image of their COVID-19 vaccine card demonstrating proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 (or other similar evidence of vaccination) or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken by the associate or candidate within the past seven days to enter any of our sites and/or customer office or healthcare facility, as well as prior to participating in other work related off-site meetings. Employees working in customer-facing roles must adhere to and comply with customers’ (such as hospitals, physician offices, etc.) credentialing guidelines, which may require vaccination. As required by applicable law, Novartis will consider requests for reasonable accommodation for those unable to be vaccinated. This requirement is subject to applicable state and local laws and may not be applicable to employees working in certain jurisdictions.

Division: NIBR
Business Unit: NEUROSCIENCE
Location: USA
Site: San Diego, CA
Company / Legal Entity: NIBRI
Functional Area: Research & Development
Job Type: Full Time
Employment Type: Regular
Shift Work: No
Keywords: Research & Development, NIBR, USA

Please click here to apply.