Senior Principal Scientist / Assoc Director, Oncology Translational Research
About the role
The Oncology Pathology and Biomarkers group within Oncology Translational Research at Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking an accomplished Imaging Scientist to join the Image Analysis team in Cambridge. This role is for a scientific and technical leader with expertise in digital pathology, computational image analysis, AI/ML, and tissue-based oncology biomarkers.
Responsibilities
Develop and deploy scalable workflows for pathology whole-slide image acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation
Apply AI/ML and quantitative image analysis to address biological, translational, and biomarker questions in human and preclinical samples
Provide expertise in digital pathology, spatial analytics, and AI-enabled biomarker quantification across oncology programs
Evaluate emerging computational imaging approaches that strengthen OPB’s biomarker capabilities and decisional data delivery
Serve as a subject matter expert for HALO and HALO AI workflows and drive harmonization across Cambridge and Basel
Build robust, reproducible, and well-documented analytical processes that improve operational resilience and cross-site consistency
Improve image data organization, sharing, and best practices to support collaboration with Oncology Data Science, Data42, and enterprise AI initiatives
Build, optimize, and apply AI/ML models and reproducible workflows for whole-slide, multiplexed, and high-plex tissue imaging
Translate image-derived outputs into clear biological insights that inform project decisions
Develop and implement pipelines to process, analyze, visualize, and interpret RareCyte Orion and other high-plex imaging data
Partner with OPB scientists to define fit-for-purpose analytical approaches for multiplexed tissue imaging studies
Establish quality control, documentation, and reporting standards that support innovative use of multiplexed imaging in oncology
Partner with scientists, pathologists, physician-scientists, computational biologists, data scientists, and project teams to design, analyze, and interpret tissue-based studies
Engage across Oncology Translational Research and broader Novartis Biomedical Research to identify stakeholder needs, address workflow gaps, and implement practical solutions
Communicate image analysis strategies, recommendations, and findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams while contributing to a collaborative culture of scientific excellence and innovation
Qualifications
PhD or MS in biology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, computational biology, data science, pathology, or a related field
Minimum 5 years of industry experience
Significant experience in digital pathology, computational image analysis, imaging data science, translational oncology, or tissue-based biomarker research
Expertise with image analysis tools such as HALO and experience developing, implementing, and applying AI/ML models to tissue images
Demonstrated success applying advanced imaging solutions to pathology and translational research workflows, including high-resolution whole-slide and gigapixel image datasets
Strong understanding of tissue-based biomarker development, oncology biology, and translational research
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders, identify process gaps, and drive next steps
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, matrixed teams and contribute in a collaborative, innovative, and self-directed way
Benefits
The salary for this position is expected to range between $138,600.00 - $257,400.00 USD Annual 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 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.