Senior Research Associate, Molecular Biology

INNOVATION, QUALITY, COLLABORATION, PERFORMANCE, COURAGE AND INTEGRITY

Over 900+ clinical trials validate that gene therapies are transforming the practice of medicine. As a Research Associate for AAV early pipeline process development, you will have an opportunity to join the NIBR Biologics Center (NBC - San Diego, CA) and be at the cutting edge, leading the development of innovative medicines that can improve lives of patients.

NBC builds the biologics pipeline in collaboration with NIBR Disease Areas and Platforms via a breadth of technologies for discovery of antibody, protein and gene therapy-based therapeutics. The Biotherapeutic Engineering and Gene Therapy (BEGT) group within NBC drives a diverse portfolio of modalities including therapeutic proteins, multi-specific antibodies, CAR-T, RNA therapeutics and rAAV. Through cell and viral engineering as well as innovative and rational protein design, the BEGT group is a global team that works collaboratively with disease area groups to broaden the use of biologics into therapeutic applications where conventional antibodies have limitations.

The Senior Research Associate, Molecular Biology, is responsible for design of cloning strategies, site-directed mutagenesis, and additional highly skilled molecular biology work including ddPCR. This role plays an integral role in R&D for AAV construct design and cloning.

• Designs, prepares and executes ddPCR of various sample types to support biodistribution studies.
• Execution of RNA/ DNA isolation, ddPCR, ELISA assays and additional molecular biology work including assisting with next-gen sequencing.
• Cross-program molecular biology support, including promoter optimization, cell-based potency assays, and process science construct optimization.
• Plans, execute and analyze experiments under minimal supervision, utilizing molecular techniques.
• Examines data and prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols and quantitative analysis, ensuring experiments are well documented.
• Helps to maintains and ensures safe laboratory environment and work practices.
• Collaborates across a dynamic scientific environment.
• Other relates duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related scientific discipline with 3 years research experience in area or 6 years of equivalent education/experience may be accepted.
• Experience/knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR and ddPCR, DNA/RNA isolation.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Detail oriented with critical thinking skills.
• Position requires ability to work collaboratively across a dynamic scientific environment, therefore communication skill, both written and verbal, and strong interpersonal skills.

The level of this position will be based on the final candidate's qualifications.

Why Novartis?

769 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2020, 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!

Novartis Gene Therapies Benefit Summary:

Annual bonus, long term incentive, health insurance, paid vacation/holidays, potential flexible working arrangements (based on role) and an employee recognition program are available for this position, among many other benefits provided to employees of Novartis Gene Therapies.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Novartis Gene Therapies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, sexual orientation or veteran status.

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