Jobs / United States / Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist
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.
- What Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation paid sponsored hires in similar roles1 certified filing for “Associate Clinical Development Medical Director” (Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists) in NJ: $117k–$117k, median $117k. Most were filed at wage level III (100%) — 3 lottery entries, ≈46% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. The pay stated here ($108,500) is below what this employer usually pays sponsored hires for this role. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).
- 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.
Or apply yourself on the official page →
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 Internal Position Title: Principal Scientist I/II Location: Cambridge, MA, #LI-Onsite * This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you. Novartis Biomedical Research is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist (Level 4) to conduct bench research in a laboratory focused on preclinical and clinical biomarker assay development within Disease Area X (DAx). This position is integral to designing, developing, and qualifying biomarker assays that support drug discovery and development programs across DAx’s diverse portfolio, including renal, liver, fibrosis, and exploratory indications. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a matrixed team and contribute technical expertise to translational strategies that enable patient stratification and clinical impact. Job Description Key responsibilities: • Design, develop, and qualify preclinical and clinical biomarker assays (cellular, soluble, proteomic, genetic, and genomic) to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification for DAx programs. • The ideal candidate will bring deep technical and strategic expertise in designing, developing, optimizing, and clinically implementing ligand binding assays (e.g. ELISA, MSD, immunoassays). Ensuring analytical rigor, robustness, and “fit-for purpose” performance expectations and technical assessment standards. • Execute laboratory-based research, including hands-on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting. • Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility. • Collaborate with Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, and DAx project teams to align assay strategies with DAx therapeutic area priorities. • Support the implementation of biomarker assays in preclinical and clinical studies, including documentation and reporting of results. • Maintain exemplary laboratory practices, including accurate record keeping and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines. • Present research findings in lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications and internal reports. Essential Requirements : • PhD or MD, Postdoctoral Fellowship preferred, with 4+ years’ experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field, or BS/MS with 8+ years’ experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field. • Hands-on experience with designing and executing LBA assays • Demonstrated experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics, or related fields within pharma or biotech. • Demonstrated expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation for preclinical and/or clinical studies across various animal and human matrices. • Proven skill in independently developing and executing biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery. • Innovative and critical thinking, with a track record of scientific impact and continuous improvement. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability in laboratory research. Desirable Requirements: • Experience with multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches, especially as applied to renal, liver, fibrosis, or exploratory disease areas. • Familiarity with animal models and ex vivo assays is a plus. • Hands-on experience with RNA assays and/or LC-MS based biomarker or assay quantification an added plus. • Knowledge of statistics and computational data analysis is desirable. • Experience working with CROs or external vendors to support assay development, biomarker studies or analytical deliverables. The salary for this position is e