~~~This role is offered through [MSP/supplier/third party provider], who, if selected, will be your employer. If your services are retained, you will be assigned to provide services to Novartis as the end client. This is not an offer of employment with Novartis. If you are selected for this Temporary/External opportunity, you will not be an employee of Novartis and will not be eligible for any Novartis employee benefits or incentives. ~~~

Novartis touches the lives of a tenth of the world’s population. Every role here, regardless of contract type, makes an impact on human life!

Novartis US partners with external managed service provider Magnit Global to offer engaging temporary contractor opportunities like this, to those who are looking for flexibility in their career while looking to gain new skills and experiences providing services to an inclusive global medicines company. Click here to learn more about Magnit www.magnitglobal.com

Ready to work with/through Magnit at Novartis? Please read on... 
Research Scientist, Oncology Drug Discovery

BR Oncology Drug Discovery aims to discover transformative cancer medicines by combining patient need, deep target biology, and the right therapeutic modalities. Its strategy emphasizes disease-area leadership, foundational cancer biology, and tailoring modalities to the specific patient, biology, and target. Translational insights, advanced technologies, and strong scientific collaboration are central to accelerating breakthroughs and maximizing patient impact.

We are seeking a highly motivated research scientist to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team focused on discovering and advancing innovative therapies for cancer patients. The successful candidate will design and execute rigorous experiments, generate decision-enabling data, and translate findings into testable hypotheses. This role offers the opportunity to work across discovery disciplines and contribute directly to oncology programs from target validation to drug discovery. This is a temporary position expected to last approximately six months.

Key Responsibilities
Design, execute, analyze, and document experiments that address key scientific questions in oncology drug discovery.
Develop and apply relevant cellular, molecular, biochemical, and translational assays to evaluate targets, mechanisms of action, biomarkers, and therapeutic response.
Operate, optimize, and troubleshoot workflows utilizing automated laboratory instruments to support scalable, reproducible data generation.
Work closely with colleagues in biology, chemistry, data science, pharmacology, biomarker research, and translational medicine to advance project objectives.
Generate high-quality, reproducible data and communicate conclusions, limitations, and recommended next steps at project-team meetings and broader scientific forums.
Contribute to study strategy, experimental prioritization, and data-driven project decisions.
Maintain current knowledge of cancer biology, and emerging therapeutic modalities within induced proximity.
Promote a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning.

Minimum Qualifications
BS in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
At least two years of wet-lab experience in an industry setting.
Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture and one or more areas such as genetic perturbation, protein biology, flow cytometry, or quantitative cellular assays.
Strong experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and scientific reasoning skills.
Record of scientific achievement demonstrated through publications, presentations, or other meaningful contributions to research programs.
Ability to work effectively in a matrixed, team-oriented environment and communicate with colleagues from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting oncology drug-discovery programs in an industry setting.
Proficiency with automation to execute high-throughput cellular assays.
Demonstrated contributions to low-molecular-weight drug discovery programs.
Knowledge of tumor dependencies, resistance mechanisms and/or biomarker discovery.
Experience with CRISPR-based approaches and engineered cellular models.
Familiarity with statistical analysis, data visualization, and electronic laboratory documentation.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to new scientific findings, and deliver against project timelines.

What You Will Bring
You are a curious, rigorous, and collaborative scientist who enjoys solving complex biological problems. You combine strong hands-on laboratory skills with sound scientific judgment, communicate openly, and use data to guide decisions. You are motivated by the opportunity to translate innovative science into meaningful therapies for patients.

Additional Information
This position may require routine work in a laboratory environment and adherence to applicable safety, quality, and compliance standards. Role level, title, and compensation will be aligned with the selected candidate’s experience and the requirements of the position.

Location: San Diego, CA(Onsite)
Pay Rate: $45/Hour - $53/hour W-2 Only (based on Education/Experience) 
Contract: 7-month 
Health, dental, vision, 401k (provided minimum eligibility hours are met)

Why Novartis:
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

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.

Accommodation:
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Magnit at directsourceproteam@prounlimited.com.