At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-throughput biology and automation strategy for next-gen oncology medicines.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and generous time off.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment focused on innovation and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of oncology with cutting-edge technology and a talented team.
- Qualifications: PhD or master's with extensive biotech experience required.
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
What if you could define the high-throughput biology and automation strategy that accelerates the next generation of oncology medicines? As Associate Director, High-Throughput Biology and Automation, you will lead a critical Oncology function at the intersection of biology, biochemistry, automation, and data science. You will set the strategic roadmap, align capabilities and portfolio priorities, translate complex portfolio questions into scalable experimental and data-enabled solutions, and proactively shape future platform and infrastructure needs. Leading a talented multidisciplinary team, you will deliver robust, decision-enabling science that advances the next generation of Oncology medicines.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute Oncology’s high-throughput biology, biochemistry, and automation strategy, translating portfolio questions into fit-for-purpose experimental, automation, and data solutions.
- Lead a team accountable for designing, executing, and delivering high-throughput profiling workflows that generate robust, decision-enabling data for the Oncology portfolio.
- Shape and scale profiling platforms spanning biochemical, cellular, phenotypic, mechanistic, imaging, and multimodal readouts to meet evolving Oncology portfolio needs.
- Lead automation strategy across liquid handling, robotics, automated cell culture and banking, workflow miniaturization, platform integration, and device lifecycle planning.
- Proactively define future capability needs across assays, technologies, and infrastructure to guide platform evolution and strategic investment decisions.
- Define and implement data strategies that ensure high-throughput biology datasets are high-quality, well-annotated, FAIR, integrated, and actionable for portfolio decision-making.
- Lead cross-functional alignment with internal and external stakeholders to ensure HTB capabilities are integrated with Oncology portfolio strategy.
- Lead, develop, and empower a high-performing multidisciplinary team of engineers, cell biologists, and automation scientists, fostering scientific excellence, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Essential Requirements
- PhD in a relevant scientific or technical field, or master’s degree with substantial relevant industry experience.
- At least 10 years of experience in biotech, biopharma, pharmaceutical research, or a related scientific environment.
- Track record defining high-throughput biology, automation, and platform strategy.
- Deep expertise in profiling, assay development, miniaturization, optimization, validation, and decision-enabling data generation.
- Experience with biochemical, cellular, phenotypic, functional, mechanistic, imaging, and sequencing-based readouts.
- Strong experience designing, implementing, and scaling laboratory automation and automated workflows.
- Strong data expertise across experimental design, QC, analysis, data standards, metadata, laboratory data systems, and informatics partnerships.
- Demonstrated people leadership, Oncology drug discovery expertise, and success working across cross-functional and external partner environments.
Desirable Requirement
- Experience with in vivo-supporting workflows, single-cell technologies, multimodal omics, or cloud-based data platforms.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead a high-impact High-Throughput Biology and Automation function supporting Oncology discovery.
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and collaboration with scientific, automation, data, and translational experts.
- The opportunity to shape platform strategy, data workflows, automation capabilities, and the development of a scientific team.
- An environment focused on scientific innovation, inclusion, operational excellence, and professional growth.
The salary for this position is expected to range between $145,600 and $270,400 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.
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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.
Associate Director, High-Throughput Biology and Automation employer: Novartis
Novartis is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, where passionate individuals come together to drive breakthroughs in precision medicine. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and robust learning and development opportunities, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives. Located in vibrant cities like London, Barcelona, and Dublin, Novartis offers a dynamic workplace that values diversity and encourages innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, High-Throughput Biology and Automation
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Novartis. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Novartis!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, High-Throughput Biology and Automation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Novartis that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Novartis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Novartis does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Novartis. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Novartis's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Novartis. This shows your passion for the industry!
