Job Description SummaryWe are seeking a Principal Scientist with deep expertise in Structural Biology to join our team in San Diego, CA. This is a highly collaborative and hands-on role spanning end-to-end workflows from protein construct design and protein production through high-resolution structure determination, contributing directly to drug discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas.
Job DescriptionInternal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II
Location: onsite, San Diego, CA #LI-Onsite
Key Responsibilities:- Lead and execute protein production and X-ray crystallography to elucidate protein-small molecule, protein-peptide, and/or protein-protein interactions, supporting drug discovery initiatives
- Successfully drive gene-to-structural small molecule drug discovery projects
- Leverage knowledge in protein production and structural biology to characterize structure-function relationships, investigate novel mechanisms of action, and address complex scientific questions
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including protein scientists, biophysicists, chemists, and computational modelers, to facilitate structure-based drug design
- Advance our initiatives and drug discovery programs by leveraging innovative approaches, such as applications of AI.
Essential Requirements:- Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field with over 5 years of relevant experience in X-ray crystallography within either industrial or academic settings
- Demonstrated expertise in protein expression across E. coli, insect, and mammalian expression systems, as well as extensive experience in protein purification and characterization
- Proven track record in application of X-ray crystallography to characterize protein-ligand and protein-protein complexes, including crystallization screening and optimization, data processing, structure refinement and analysis.
- Outstanding communication skills, strong ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, and ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
Desirable Requirements:- Understanding of AI/ML tools for structural biology
- Experience with biochemical assays and biophysical methods
- Experience with Cryo-EM is a plus
The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and between $119,700 and $222,300 per year for Principal 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.
Salary Range$108,500.00 - $201,500.00
Skills DesiredAnalytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Skill (Inactive), Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills (Inactive), Curious Mindset, Data (Inactive), Data Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Process, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Laboratory (Inactive), Leading Project Teams, Lifesciences (Inactive), Machine Learning (ML), Management (Inactive), Medical Research {+ 10 more}
