Human Genetics Laboratory Leader

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to lead a Human Genetics laboratory. You will drive the translation of human genetic insights into actionable biological hypotheses to enable target discovery and validation across disease areas. The successful candidate will lead a small team of biologists and shape the genotype-to-phenotype translation strategy, integrating rare variant genetics, functional biology, and advanced analytical approaches to inform target prioritization.

This position is part of the Human Genetics & Targets group within the Discovery Sciences (DSc) department in Biomedical Research at Novartis. The Human Genetics & Targets team is a global group of computational and experimental scientists dedicated to validating or invalidating genetics-driven target hypotheses. The team's extensive expertise in genetics analytics, biology, and translatable models is enhanced by DSc's capabilities in AI, functional genomics, chemical biology, and more. The team collaborates with disease area specialists to not only identify disease associations but fully understand the underlying disease mechanisms and advance drug discovery projects to benefit patients in need.

 

Job Description

Internal job title: Senior Principal Scientist or Associate Director 

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Key responsibilities: 

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of 2-3 wet lab scientists, establishing state-of-the-art experimental capabilities to functionally characterize human genetic variation

• Manage resources, priorities, and execution across multiple projects, ensuring high-quality data generation, interpretation, and delivery aligned with strategic goals

• Apply genetics expertise to enable recall-by-genotype strategies, including participant identification from biobank resources and design of deep phenotyping protocols

• Serve as senior scientific leader to evolve the genotype-to-phenotype research strategy, translating rare variants into biological hypotheses and target investment decisions

• Represent genetics expertise in cross-functional teams and governance boards, contributing to portfolio prioritization alongside computational biology and disease area experts

• Build and maintain strong internal and external partnerships, communicating scientific insights effectively to diverse audiences

Essential Requirements:

• PhD with 8+ years of post-graduate experience in genetics, with a focus on rare variants and/or genotype-to-phenotype translation

• Strong background in experimental biology, including cellular models and gene perturbation technologies relevant to variant characterization

• Extensive experience connecting clinical and/or biobank genetic data to biological mechanisms and therapeutic hypotheses across disease indications

• Proven people leadership skills, including mentoring and developing scientists, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a matrix environment

• Curiosity for emerging technologies and methods, including AI-based approaches for variant interpretation and prioritization

• Exceptional collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a strong track record of scientific innovation

Desirable Requirements:

• Hands-on experience in designing and executing recall-by-genotype studies

• Target and/or drug discovery experience in an industry setting

The salary for this position is expected to range between $138,600 and $257,400 USD annually for Senior Principal Scientist, and $152,600 and $283,400 USD annually for Associate Director. 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

$138,600.00 - $257,400.00

 

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Ethics, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Mentorship, Patient Care, Science, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management