Mid Level Biology Jobs
Mid level biology jobs go to professionals ready to take full ownership of experiments, lead cross-functional projects, and interpret results with minimal oversight. Hiring runs across Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Science & Research, and Education, with 23% of openings offering remote or hybrid arrangements, and employers like Benchling, Novartis, and Eikon Therapeutics competing for biologists at this level now.
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Summary
About the Role
Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II
Location: onsite, San Diego, CA #LI-Onsite
About the Role:
At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine through scientific excellence and innovation. Within the Discovery Sciences organization, the Protein Sciences group plays a pivotal role in advancing early-stage drug discovery by enabling deep structural and functional insights into therapeutic targets. Structural Biology is a cornerstone capability, enabling structure-guided drug discovery for some of the most challenging and high-impact targets in medicine.
This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class structural biology team within one of the largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, highly skilled and collaborative colleagues, and the chance to make meaningful contributions to the discovery and development of life-changing medicines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and execute protein production and X-ray crystallography to elucidate protein-small molecule, protein-peptide, and/or protein-protein interactions, supporting drug discovery initiatives
- Successfully drive gene-to-structural small molecule drug discovery projects
- Leverage knowledge in protein production and structural biology to characterize structure-function relationships, investigate novel mechanisms of action, and address complex scientific questions
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including protein scientists, biophysicists, chemists, and computational modelers, to facilitate structure-based drug design
- Advance our initiatives and drug discovery programs by leveraging innovative approaches, such as applications of AI.
Essential Requirements:
- Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field with over 5 years of relevant experience in X-ray crystallography within either industrial or academic settings
- Demonstrated expertise in protein expression across E. coli, insect, and mammalian expression systems, as well as extensive experience in protein purification and characterization
- Proven track record in application of X-ray crystallography to characterize protein-ligand and protein-protein complexes, including crystallization screening and optimization, data processing, structure refinement and analysis.
- Outstanding communication skills, strong ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, and ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
Desirable Requirements:
- Understanding of AI/ML tools for structural biology
- Experience with biochemical assays and biophysical methods
- Experience with Cryo-EM is a plus
The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and between $119,700 and $222,300 per year for Principal Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.
Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.
To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
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 & 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 [email protected] 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.
Summary
About the Role
Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II
Location: onsite, San Diego, CA #LI-Onsite
About the Role:
At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine through scientific excellence and innovation. Within the Discovery Sciences organization, the Protein Sciences group plays a pivotal role in advancing early-stage drug discovery by enabling deep structural and functional insights into therapeutic targets. Structural Biology is a cornerstone capability, enabling structure-guided drug discovery for some of the most challenging and high-impact targets in medicine.
This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class structural biology team within one of the largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, highly skilled and collaborative colleagues, and the chance to make meaningful contributions to the discovery and development of life-changing medicines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and execute protein production and X-ray crystallography to elucidate protein-small molecule, protein-peptide, and/or protein-protein interactions, supporting drug discovery initiatives
- Successfully drive gene-to-structural small molecule drug discovery projects
- Leverage knowledge in protein production and structural biology to characterize structure-function relationships, investigate novel mechanisms of action, and address complex scientific questions
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including protein scientists, biophysicists, chemists, and computational modelers, to facilitate structure-based drug design
- Advance our initiatives and drug discovery programs by leveraging innovative approaches, such as applications of AI.
Essential Requirements:
- Ph.D. in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field with over 5 years of relevant experience in X-ray crystallography within either industrial or academic settings
- Demonstrated expertise in protein expression across E. coli, insect, and mammalian expression systems, as well as extensive experience in protein purification and characterization
- Proven track record in application of X-ray crystallography to characterize protein-ligand and protein-protein complexes, including crystallization screening and optimization, data processing, structure refinement and analysis.
- Outstanding communication skills, strong ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, and ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
Desirable Requirements:
- Understanding of AI/ML tools for structural biology
- Experience with biochemical assays and biophysical methods
- Experience with Cryo-EM is a plus
The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and between $119,700 and $222,300 per year for Principal Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.
Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.
To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
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 & 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 [email protected] 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.
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Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals13
- Science & Research6
- Education4
- Banking & Financial Services3
- Healthcare & Medical Services3
Mid Level Biology Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mid level biology job?
Position yourself around ownership, not just participation. Highlight experiments or projects you led independently, decisions you made without direct supervision, and any mentorship of junior colleagues or interns. Your application materials should show increasing responsibility over time, with specific outcomes like published findings, validated assays, or process improvements. Tailoring your resume to the technical skills each employer lists will sharpen your chances considerably.
Which companies hire mid level biologys?
Companies hiring mid level biologys right now include Benchling, Novartis, and Eikon Therapeutics, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Hiring at this level covers pharmaceutical and biotech firms, contract research organizations, medical device companies, and government research agencies, all of which need experienced biologists who can work independently and contribute to longer-term research or development programs.
Are there remote mid level biology jobs?
Yes, though the share varies by discipline. About 23% of mid level biology openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with roles in bioinformatics, regulatory affairs, scientific writing, and data analysis among the most likely to offer location flexibility. Wet-lab and field-based positions typically require on-site presence, so filtering by work setting early in your search helps narrow relevant openings quickly.
How do I move up to a mid level biology role?
Progression from entry level to mid level in biology comes from building depth in a specific domain and demonstrating that you can operate without constant direction. Over your first few years, focus on completing projects from design through reporting, developing technical skills beyond your initial training, and taking on tasks that involve judgment calls rather than just execution. Measurable contributions, like improved protocols or successful grant support, signal readiness for the next level.
Which industries hire the most mid level biologys?
Mid Level biology roles concentrate in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Science & Research, and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they rely on experienced biologists to move projects forward independently, whether that means advancing drug candidates, supporting regulatory submissions, or conducting applied research that feeds directly into product development or public health programs.