Clinical Development Specialist Jobs in Cambridge, MA
Clinical Development Specialist jobs in Cambridge are concentrated in Kendall Square, East Cambridge, and the Alewife corridor, driven by one of the densest biotech and pharmaceutical ecosystems in the world. Employers hiring right now include Biogen, Flagship Pioneering, and Amgen. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 70+ Clinical Development Specialist jobs
Summary
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.
About the Role
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 expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and $126,000 and $234,000 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
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.
About the Role
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 expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and $126,000 and $234,000 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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Find JobsClinical Development Specialist Job Market in Cambridge
Who's Hiring
- Biogen8
- Flagship Pioneering5
- Amgen3
- AbbVie3
- Draper3
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals13
- Science & Research12
- Healthcare & Medical Services7
- Consulting & Professional Services5
- Technology & Software4
Clinical Development Specialist Jobs in Cambridge: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a clinical development specialist job in Cambridge?
Focus your search on Kendall Square and East Cambridge, where biotech firms, pharma companies, and contract research organizations cluster most densely. Candidates with hands-on clinical trial experience, familiarity with FDA submission requirements, and exposure to oncology or rare disease programs stand out in this market. Networking through local industry events and targeting mid-size biotechs early in their pipeline development cycles is a reliable way to get noticed.
Which companies hire clinical development specialists in Cambridge?
Employers hiring clinical development specialists in Cambridge right now include Biogen, Flagship Pioneering, and Amgen, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Cambridge's employer mix runs from global pharmaceutical headquarters and large biotechs to early-stage startups advancing their first clinical programs.
Are there remote clinical development specialist jobs in Cambridge?
Yes, though with limits, since many clinical development specialist duties, such as site monitoring, patient interaction, and investigator coordination, require on-site or travel-based work. About 45% of clinical development specialist openings tied to Cambridge are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those roles tend to concentrate in regulatory writing, data review, and protocol development functions.
How can I get a clinical development specialist job in Cambridge with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Cambridge is landing a clinical research associate or clinical operations coordinator role at one of the many early-stage biotechs in Kendall Square, which often hire candidates with a life sciences degree and internship experience. Research assistant positions at affiliated hospitals and academic medical centers in the area also build the clinical exposure employers expect before moving into a specialist title.
Which industries hire the most clinical development specialists in Cambridge?
Cambridge clinical development specialist roles concentrate in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Science & Research, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Cambridge's position as a global hub for life sciences research means those sectors continuously generate new clinical programs that require dedicated development expertise.
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See All 70 Clinical Development Specialist Jobs in Cambridge
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