Principal Scientist I, Oncology Pharmacology

Job Description Summary

Job Title: Principal Scientist I, Oncology Pharmacology #LI-Onsite Location: San Diego, United States Relocation Support: This role is based in San Diego, United States. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible. Imagine being at the forefront of breakthrough oncology research, where your work directly shapes the next generation of cancer therapies. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing innovative drug candidates by developing and applying cutting-edge in vivo pharmacology approaches. Working within a dynamic and highly collaborative research environment, you will contribute to the design and execution of preclinical studies, generating critical data that drives decision-making and accelerates the journey of new treatments toward patients. This is an opportunity to combine scientific expertise with real-world impact—helping reimagine medicine for people living with cancer.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze in vivo and ex vivo pharmacology studies for oncology drug development
• Develop and utilize preclinical tumor models to evaluate efficacy and safety of novel therapies
• Perform animal handling procedures, including dosing, tumor measurement, and tissue and blood collection
• Apply cellular and biochemical assays to interpret pharmacodynamic responses and support study outcomes
• Ensure accurate data recording, documentation, and adherence to good laboratory practices
• Present scientific findings clearly in team, department, and cross-functional project meetings
• Collaborate effectively within a matrixed research environment to advance oncology programs

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, or a related life science discipline
• Strong hands-on experience with rodent handling and in vivo pharmacology techniques, including multiple dosing routes
• Proven experience with preclinical oncology models and development of in vivo tumor models
• Proficiency in cell culture techniques, including cell maintenance, passaging, and harvesting
• Ability to design, execute, and interpret pharmacology studies with strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Effective collaboration, communication, and multitasking skills within a fast-paced, matrixed research environment

Desirable Requirements

• Hands-on experience with advanced ex vivo pharmacodynamic assays, including flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or polymerase chain reaction
• Experience using data analysis and visualization tools such as GraphPad Prism for pharmacology data interpretation