Mid Level Principal Scientist Jobs
Mid level principal scientist jobs go to researchers ready to own projects end to end, guide junior colleagues, and shape experimental direction with limited oversight. Roles are a mix of on-site, remote, and hybrid across Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Retail, and Science & Research, with employers like Capital One, Walmart, and Merck hiring at this level now.
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Summary
#LI-hybrid
- This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Please only apply if this location is accessible for you.
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join our xDC team and help advance next-generation targeted therapeutic platforms. This role will contribute to the development and expansion of biologics and drug-conjugate infrastructure, with a focus on innovative vectorization strategies, biology-informed payload approaches, and differentiated conjugate designs.
The ideal candidate will bring strong scientific judgment, hands-on technical expertise, and experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Industry experience in biologics, ADCs, targeted therapeutics, or related modalities is preferred.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive scientific activities supporting the discovery and optimization of next-generation xDC and biologics platforms
- Contribute to the design and evaluation of new vectorization approaches for targeted delivery
- Support the development of payload strategies aligned with disease biology and therapeutic mechanism of action
- Participate in the exploration of differentiated conjugate formats, including multi-payload or combination-based approaches
- Work closely with cross-functional teams across biology, chemistry, protein engineering, pharmacology, translational sciences, and CMC
- Design, execute, and interpret experiments to guide platform and program decisions.
- Identify emerging scientific opportunities and help translate them into actionable research strategies
- Communicate results clearly through presentations, reports, and scientific discussions
- Contribute to external collaborations and technology evaluation efforts as needed
- Maintain awareness of the competitive and scientific landscape in ADCs, biologics, and targeted therapeutic platforms
Essential Requirements:
- Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, immunology, chemical biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline
- 3–5 years of relevant post-Ph.D. experience, preferably in an industry setting
- Experience with biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, targeted delivery platforms, protein therapeutics, or related modalities
- Strong understanding of disease biology, target selection, mechanism-of-action studies, and translational research principles
- Familiarity with biologics engineering, conjugation strategies, payload biology, or preclinical therapeutic development is preferred
- Demonstrated ability to design rigorous experiments, analyze complex data, and make data-driven recommendations
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary research environment
Preferred Experience:
- Prior experience in ADC, xDC, or other targeted therapeutic platforms
- Experience evaluating novel targets, payload mechanisms, or biology-driven therapeutic hypotheses
- Familiarity with in vitro and in vivo pharmacology workflows
- Experience working with external partners, CROs, academic collaborators, or technology vendors
- Track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, presentations, or program advancement
The salary for this position is expected to range between $119,700 and $222,300 per year. 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
#LI-hybrid
- This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Please only apply if this location is accessible for you.
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join our xDC team and help advance next-generation targeted therapeutic platforms. This role will contribute to the development and expansion of biologics and drug-conjugate infrastructure, with a focus on innovative vectorization strategies, biology-informed payload approaches, and differentiated conjugate designs.
The ideal candidate will bring strong scientific judgment, hands-on technical expertise, and experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Industry experience in biologics, ADCs, targeted therapeutics, or related modalities is preferred.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive scientific activities supporting the discovery and optimization of next-generation xDC and biologics platforms
- Contribute to the design and evaluation of new vectorization approaches for targeted delivery
- Support the development of payload strategies aligned with disease biology and therapeutic mechanism of action
- Participate in the exploration of differentiated conjugate formats, including multi-payload or combination-based approaches
- Work closely with cross-functional teams across biology, chemistry, protein engineering, pharmacology, translational sciences, and CMC
- Design, execute, and interpret experiments to guide platform and program decisions.
- Identify emerging scientific opportunities and help translate them into actionable research strategies
- Communicate results clearly through presentations, reports, and scientific discussions
- Contribute to external collaborations and technology evaluation efforts as needed
- Maintain awareness of the competitive and scientific landscape in ADCs, biologics, and targeted therapeutic platforms
Essential Requirements:
- Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, immunology, chemical biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline
- 3–5 years of relevant post-Ph.D. experience, preferably in an industry setting
- Experience with biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, targeted delivery platforms, protein therapeutics, or related modalities
- Strong understanding of disease biology, target selection, mechanism-of-action studies, and translational research principles
- Familiarity with biologics engineering, conjugation strategies, payload biology, or preclinical therapeutic development is preferred
- Demonstrated ability to design rigorous experiments, analyze complex data, and make data-driven recommendations
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary research environment
Preferred Experience:
- Prior experience in ADC, xDC, or other targeted therapeutic platforms
- Experience evaluating novel targets, payload mechanisms, or biology-driven therapeutic hypotheses
- Familiarity with in vitro and in vivo pharmacology workflows
- Experience working with external partners, CROs, academic collaborators, or technology vendors
- Track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, presentations, or program advancement
The salary for this position is expected to range between $119,700 and $222,300 per year. 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 JobsMid Level Principal Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Capital One13
- Walmart9
- Merck5
- Novartis5
- Eli Lilly5
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals34
- Retail13
- Science & Research13
- Banking & Financial Services13
- Technology & Software11
Mid Level Principal Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mid level principal scientist job?
Position your existing work around ownership and outcomes, not just tasks. Highlight studies or projects you led independently, decisions you made without close supervision, and any mentoring or cross-functional collaboration you drove. Applications that connect your methodology skills to a measurable scientific outcome, such as a published finding or a validated model, stand out most at this level.
Which companies hire mid level principal scientists?
Companies hiring mid level principal scientists right now include Capital One, Walmart, and Merck, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a mix of large research-driven organizations, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms, and technology companies building in-house science functions.
Are there remote mid level principal scientist jobs?
Yes, though availability depends on the discipline and employer. About 15% of mid level principal scientist openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with fully remote roles most common in data-heavy or computational research areas and hybrid arrangements more typical for lab-based or regulated science environments.
How do I move up to a mid level principal scientist role?
Progression from entry level to mid level comes from accumulating demonstrated ownership over time. Focus on taking full responsibility for a research question or product workstream, building technical depth in your specialization, and documenting measurable impact such as publications, patents, or process improvements. Consistently mentoring peers and contributing to project design, rather than just execution, signals readiness for mid level responsibilities.
Which industries hire the most mid level principal scientists?
Mid Level principal scientist roles concentrate in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Retail, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they rely on scientists who can independently advance complex research programs, translate findings into applied outcomes, and sustain continuous development pipelines.