Research Scientist, Lentiviral Vector Purification and Analytics

Job Description Summary

The Lentiviral Vector (LVV) Team in the Biologics Research Center (BRC) at Novartis, Cambridge, MA is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist with experience in production and purification of viral vectors to join our team. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing our Cell and Gene Therapy research initiatives and contributing to groundbreaking research in CAR-T cell therapy.

 

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Research Scientist I/II

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite

** This role is based in Cambridge, MA/USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Join a collaborative team at the forefront of cell and gene therapy research. As a Research Scientist focused on lentiviral vector purification and analytics, you will apply hands-on laboratory expertise to help develop, optimize, and characterize viral vector processes that support next-generation CAR-T programs. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative science, work across purification and analytical workflows, and help advance high-quality research materials that enable transformative therapeutic approaches.

Key responsibilities:

• This is a lab-based position that requires hands-on execution of activities related to lentiviral vector purification including clarification, chromatography and TFF.

• Execute analytical methods (molecular- and cell-based) to assess quality of the purified vector.

• Write and review protocols, technical reports, and technology transfer documents with supported conclusions and recommendations.

• Write and review SOPs, instrument procedures, and other lab documents.

• Plan and prioritize work to meet goals while managing multiple research activities.

• Support experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting.

• Identify root causes, implement solutions, and verify effectiveness.

• Present scientific data and contribute openly to discussions.

• Document experimental procedures and processes thoroughly.

• Collaborate across teams, share knowledge, and train team members in technical areas as needed.

Essential Requirements:

• BS or MS in bioengineering, virology, or related field, with relevant lab experience. This is not a PhD-level position.

• 1–3 years of experience in protein and/or viral vector purification.

• Hands-on experience with chromatography and filtration techniques, including TFF and depth filtration.

• Strong coordination, communication, collaboration, learning agility, and self-motivation.

• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and GraphPad Prism.

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desirable Requirements: 

• BSL2 experience with AAV, lentiviral, or retroviral vector production.

• Proficiency in aseptic technique, cell culture, molecular biology, and analytical testing.

• Bioreactor experience.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $66,800 and $124,000 per year for Research Scientist I, and between $81,200 and $150,800 per year for Research 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.

 

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@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.

 

Salary Range

$66,800.00 - $124,000.00

 

Skills Desired

Algorithms, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Ethics, Hypothesis Testing, Immunology, Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Science