Research Scientist, Neuroscience and Gene Therapies

Research & Development      ·        San Diego, CA          ·      Full time

Job ID: 355645BR

Job Title: Research Scientist, Neuroscience and Gene Therapies

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.

The Neuroscience Disease Area at Novartis is looking for an experienced Scientist with knowledge of neuroscience and histology, to perform tissue-based analysis in support of discovery and validation of disease relevant targets and pathways at the San Diego campus primarily focusing on gene therapies.

What you’ll be doing:

• Experienced in all aspects of routine histology including dissection, processing, embedding and sectioning of CNS and peripheral organs
• Optimize specialized assays such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization and multi-plex using automated instruments; Ventana Ultra and Leica Bond
• Process slides for scanning using Leica AT2 scanner and Akoya Vectra Polaris platforms
• Analyze histological staining results using qualitative and quantitative methods with particular expertise in neuroanatomy
• Develop algorithms and perform image analysis using Indica Lab Halo software
• Serve as lead histologist and core team member for assigned programs; manage timelines, write reports and present data in team setting
• Mentor and train less experienced associates
• Review journals, abstracts and scientific literature with emphasis on developments in histology procedures and techniques
• Other related duties as assigned

EEO Statement

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 will bring to the role:

• BS or MS degree in biology, molecular biology, clinical pathology or related fields with 4+ years’ experience
• Demonstrated expertise in cell and tissue-based assays including histology, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence applications and microscopy.
• Expertise in standard histological techniques
• Experience with automated equipment is desirable.
• Knowledge of microscopy, image analysis and processing is expected.
• Thorough computer literacy (Word, Excel, Graph Pad Prism and PowerPoint) are required.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required

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: Individuals in need of a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or disability for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to tas.nacomms@novartis.com 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.

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 (https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network).

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

Please click here to apply.