Jobs / United States / Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Principal Scientist I/II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Innovation
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation · 🇺🇸 Cambridge (USA)
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship possible
One solid signal, not two — worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.
- Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 75 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 31 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
- The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
- No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
- Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).
A verdict summarises public evidence; it is not legal advice and never a guarantee — the employer and the immigration authority decide. Sign in to factor in where you can already work.
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Sponsor Radar — Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
The US Department of Labor certified 75 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 31 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
Past sponsorship or register membership never guarantees sponsorship for this vacancy or for you. Full Sponsor Radar for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation →
About the role
Job Description Summary #LI-Onsite Location: Cambridge, USA Relocation Support: Yes Imagine advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics that have the potential to transform patients’ lives around the world. As a Principal Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innovation, you will play a critical role in building and advancing Novartis’ xRNA therapeutic platform, bringing scientific creativity, technical expertise, and innovation to the forefront of drug discovery. Working alongside a collaborative team of world-class scientists, you will lead the development of novel oligonucleotide chemistries, drive therapeutic innovation, and help shape the future of RNA medicines in a dynamic and fast-paced research environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful scientific impact while mentoring others and contributing to breakthrough therapies that could redefine what is possible for patients. Job Description Key Responsibilities Lead synthesis, purification, characterization, and analysis of chemically modified oligonucleotides and conjugates. Design and optimize novel oligonucleotide chemistries through structure-activity relationship studies. Develop and implement robust synthetic routes for preclinical RNA therapeutic candidates. Drive cross-functional collaboration to advance oligonucleotide therapeutic programs from discovery through preclinical stages. Mentor scientists and enhance laboratory workflows to improve efficiency, quality, and innovation. Establish and maintain standard operating procedures supporting reproducible oligonucleotide manufacturing processes. Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain critical analytical and synthesis instrumentation, including high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Essential Requirements Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline. At least five years of experience synthesizing therapeutic oligonucleotides in an industry or research setting. Deep expertise in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and characterization. Proven experience developing and optimizing novel oligonucleotide chemistries and conjugates. Strong knowledge of phosphoramidite chemistry and modern synthetic chemistry techniques. Hands-on experience operating automated oligonucleotide synthesizers and analytical instrumentation. Demonstrated understanding of RNA therapeutics, including small interfering ribonucleic acid and antisense oligonucleotides. Excellent collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams. At Novartis, our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. If you are passionate about scientific innovation, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of RNA therapeutics, we encourage you to apply and make a lasting impact on patients worldwide. Rewards At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave. Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: • US: 108,500.00 - 201,500.00 USD Annual The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be rev