Careers
Principal Scientist I
Administration
Emeryville, CA, USA
USD 108,500-201,500 / year
Posted on Jul 18, 2026
Band
Level 4
Job Description Summary
Role type: Full time onsite, #LI-OnsiteLocation: Emeryville, California, United States
Relocation Support: This role is based in Emeryville, California, United States. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.
Join Novartis at the forefront of scientific innovation, where curiosity, creativity, and breakthrough chemistry come together to transform the way diseases are treated. As a Principal Scientist I, you will play a pivotal role in advancing drug discovery by leading scientific initiatives, influencing research strategy, and applying deep technical expertise to solve complex challenges. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of innovative medicines, mentor emerging talent, and collaborate across a global network of scientists dedicated to delivering life-changing therapies for patients.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Lead or significantly influence scientific projects and discovery workstreams that support strategic research objectives.
Design, execute, and interpret complex experiments to generate innovative scientific insights and solutions.
Identify emerging scientific trends and apply new knowledge to strengthen research programs and capabilities.
Drive the development of novel approaches, technologies, and methodologies to advance drug discovery.
Collaborate across functions and matrix teams to accelerate scientific progress and project delivery.
Mentor and develop scientists, fostering technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.
Contribute to laboratory and team objectives by aligning scientific activities with broader organizational goals.
Communicate scientific findings clearly to stakeholders and influence decision-making through technical expertise.
Essential Requirements
Advanced scientific expertise in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, or a related life sciences discipline.
Proven experience leading complex scientific research initiatives with demonstrated impact on project outcomes.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex experimental data.
Broad understanding of drug discovery and early development processes within the pharmaceutical industry.
Expertise in experimental design, chemical synthesis, analytical techniques, and scientific investigation.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines, functions, and organizational boundaries.
Strong communication and influencing skills, with experience presenting scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and advancing scientific excellence through collaboration.
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.
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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to tas.nacomms@novartis.com 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.
https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings
Salary Range
$108,500.00 - $201,500.00
Skills Desired
Algorithms, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemical Biology, Chemical Laboratory, Chemical Synthesis, Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Creativity, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Employee Development, Innovation, Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Mentorship, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Physics, Project Team Management, Results-Oriented, Science