At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative imaging projects in oncology and develop AI-driven analysis workflows.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in biomedical research with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, comprehensive health benefits, and generous time off.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research using cutting-edge technology and AI.
- Qualifications: PhD or MS in relevant fields with 5+ years of industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The Oncology Pathology and Biomarkers group within Oncology Translational Research at Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking an accomplished Imaging Scientist to join the Image Analysis team in Cambridge. This role is for a scientific and technical leader with expertise in digital pathology, computational image analysis, AI/ML, and tissue-based oncology biomarkers. The successful candidate will develop and support scalable workflows for whole-slide pathology and multiplexed tissue imaging data.
The position will expand OPB’s AI-enabled image analysis capabilities and deliver scalable solutions for digital pathology and translational biomarker assessment across oncology programs. The scientist will support spatial analysis of tumor samples, help establish pipelines for RareCyte Orion high-plex imaging data, and strengthen harmonized HALO AI workflows across Cambridge and Basel.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deploy scalable workflows for pathology whole-slide image acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation.
- Apply AI/ML and quantitative image analysis to address biological, translational, and biomarker questions in human and preclinical samples.
- Provide expertise in digital pathology, spatial analytics, and AI-enabled biomarker quantification across oncology programs.
- Evaluate emerging computational imaging approaches that strengthen OPB biomarker capabilities and decisional data delivery.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for HALO and HALO AI workflows and drive harmonization across Cambridge and Basel.
- Build robust, reproducible, and well-documented analytical processes that improve operational resilience and cross-site consistency.
- Improve image data organization, sharing, and best practices to support collaboration with Oncology Data Science, Data42, and enterprise AI initiatives.
- Build, optimize, and apply AI/ML models and reproducible workflows for whole-slide, multiplexed, and high-plex tissue imaging.
- Use tools such as HALO and HALO AI for segmentation, classification, feature extraction, spatial analysis, and biomarker scoring.
- Translate image-derived outputs into clear biological insights that inform project decisions.
- Develop and implement pipelines to process, analyze, visualize, and interpret RareCyte Orion and other high-plex imaging data.
- Partner with OPB scientists to define fit-for-purpose analytical approaches for multiplexed tissue imaging studies.
- Integrate high-plex imaging outputs with broader biomarker and translational datasets.
- Establish quality control, documentation, and reporting standards that support innovative use of multiplexed imaging in oncology.
- Partner with scientists, pathologists, physician-scientists, computational biologists, data scientists, and project teams to design, analyze, and interpret tissue-based studies.
- Engage across Oncology Translational Research and broader Novartis Biomedical Research to identify stakeholder needs, address workflow gaps, and implement practical solutions.
- Communicate image analysis strategies, recommendations, and findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams while contributing to a collaborative culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
Essential requirements
- PhD or MS in biology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, computational biology, data science, pathology, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of industry experience.
- Significant experience in digital pathology, computational image analysis, imaging data science, translational oncology, or tissue-based biomarker research.
- Expertise with image analysis tools such as HALO and experience developing, implementing, and applying AI/ML models to tissue images.
- Demonstrated success applying advanced imaging solutions to pathology and translational research workflows, including high-resolution whole-slide and gigapixel image datasets.
- Strong understanding of tissue-based biomarker development, oncology biology, and translational research.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders, identify process gaps, and drive next steps.
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, matrixed teams and contribute in a collaborative, innovative, and self-directed way.
Desirable Qualifications
- Background in cancer biology, immuno-oncology, radioligand therapy, spatial biology, or tumor microenvironment biology.
- Experience supporting oncology drug discovery or early clinical development with image-based biomarker strategies and spatial scoring approaches for pharmacodynamic, indication, isotope, or patient selection decisions.
- Familiarity with RareCyte Orion or other multiplexed/high-plex tissue imaging platforms, including machine learning and computational methods for tissue image analysis.
- Proficiency in Python or R.
- Experience harmonizing digital pathology workflows across sites, teams, or software environments, with familiarity in image data centralization, digital pathology infrastructure, FAIR principles, or enterprise data platforms.
- Experience collaborating with oncology data science, informatics, translational medicine, or enterprise AI teams.
- Scientific visibility through publications, presentations, or collaborations in digital pathology, oncology biomarkers, image analysis, or spatial biology.
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.
Senior Principal Scientist / Assoc Director, Oncology Translational Research in Cambridge employer: Novartis
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the pharmaceutical industry. With a commitment to enhancing customer experiences for healthcare professionals and patients alike, joining our team means contributing to meaningful work that makes a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Scientist / Assoc Director, Oncology Translational Research in Cambridge
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal Scientist / Assoc Director, Oncology Translational Research in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
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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.
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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.
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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.
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