Principal Scientist, Structural Biology

About the Role

At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine through scientific excellence and innovation. Within the Discovery Sciences organization, the Protein Sciences group plays a pivotal role in advancing early-stage drug discovery by enabling deep structural and functional insights into therapeutic targets. Structural Biology is a cornerstone capability, enabling structure-guided drug discovery for some of the most challenging and high-impact targets in medicine. This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class structural biology team within one of the largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, highly skilled and collaborative colleagues, and the chance to make meaningful contributions to the discovery and development of life-changing medicines.

Location: onsite, San Diego, CA

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

Requirements

Essential

• 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

• Understanding of AI/ML tools for structural biology
• Experience with biochemical assays and biophysical methods
• Experience with Cryo-EM is a plus

Pay

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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and disability benefits
• 401(k) with company contribution and match
• Generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves