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Principal Scientist Ii Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Scientist, Biophysicist

San Diego, CA

$119K - $222K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal Scientist I/Principal Scientist II Position Location: onsite, La Jolla, CA #LI-onsite We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist / Biophysicist to join our ...

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Principal Scientist Ii information

See salary details

$68.5K

$144K

$190.5K

How much do principal scientist ii jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal scientist ii in the United States is $144,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a principal scientist ii?

To thrive as a Principal Scientist II, you generally need an advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant scientific field, extensive research experience, and a track record of scientific innovation and publication. Expertise with specialized laboratory technologies, data analysis software, and familiarity with regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and mentor junior scientists. These competencies enable Principal Scientists II to lead complex projects, ensure scientific rigor, and contribute strategic value to their organization.

What does a principal scientist ii do?

As a Principal Scientist II, you will often serve as a scientific lead or subject matter expert on cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with colleagues in regulatory affairs, clinical development, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Your role involves translating complex research findings into actionable project plans, mentoring junior scientists, and ensuring scientific rigor throughout the development process. This collaborative environment allows you to influence strategic decisions and drive innovation across multiple departments, making strong communication and leadership skills essential.

What is the difference between Principal Scientist Ii vs Senior Scientist?

AspectPrincipal Scientist IiSenior Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree (PhD or MS), extensive research experienceMaster's or PhD, significant research background
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, mentors junior staff, strategic planningConducts experiments, supports project goals, collaborates with teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharma companiesPharmaceutical, biotech, academic research labs

The Principal Scientist Ii typically holds a higher level of responsibility, leading projects and mentoring, whereas the Senior Scientist focuses more on executing research tasks and supporting project objectives. Both roles require advanced degrees and research experience, but the Principal Scientist Ii often has a broader strategic role within organizations.

What is a principal scientist ii?

A Principal Scientist II is a senior-level research professional who leads scientific projects and teams within an organization, often in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or chemicals. Their responsibilities typically include designing and overseeing complex experiments, interpreting data, mentoring junior scientists, and contributing to strategic decision-making. They also collaborate cross-functionally with other departments, ensure compliance with regulations, and may be involved in publishing research or presenting findings. This role requires deep expertise in a specific scientific field and excellent leadership abilities.
More about Principal Scientist Ii jobs
Infographic showing various Principal Scientist Ii job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,009 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Principal Scientist II/Senior Principal Scientist, Modeling & Simulation (Dual Level Posting)

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Cambridge, MA • Hybrid

$152K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Job description

Band

Level 4


Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Internal Title: Principal Scientist II or Senior Principal Scientist
Location: Cambridge, MA
Novartis is a leader in neuroscience and cardiovascular disease areas with a robust and diverse pipeline of innovative therapies. We are seeking a translational modeler eager to accelerate oligonucleotide therapeutics (xRNA"), including antibody-xRNA conjugates, from discovery through clinical translation. In this role, you will partner with multi-disciplinary discovery and preclinical teams to develop and apply model-informed approaches that shape program strategies. As part of a truly translational modeling team, you will also work closely with clinical pharmacology and pharmacometrics groups to support clinical programs, applying quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) and mechanistic PBPK/PD approaches to inform key decisions from early dose optimization through life-cycle management.
This role reports to a Modeling and Simulation (M&S) team lead within the Pharmacokinetic Sciences (PKS) M&S team.


Job Description

Key responsibilities:

Act as the M&S representative on several programs. Develop and execute modeling strategies, contribute to project team discussions, and guide model-informed decisions from therapeutic design to first-in-human dose selection and beyond.

Build and apply mechanistic models (PK/PD, QSP, and PBPK/PD) that link drug pharmacology, tissue biodistribution, mechanism(s) of action, and downstream effects.

Integrate modeling into the design and interpretation of preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies to support candidate selection, optimization, and advancement towards the clinic.

Collaboratively develop platform disease (QSP) and PBPK/PD models that extend across multiple projects and phases of discovery & development.

Engage in strategic initiatives within M&S, such as creating platform-level translational modeling strategies to impact across projects and developing modeling workflows (e.g., agentic AI).

Proactively seek opportunities to increase the understanding and adoption of translational modeling among internal partners and expand the impact and visibility of modeling through external collaborations.

Essential requirements

Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics, or a related field and 3+ years of industry experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility. Master's degree with 5+ years of industry experience and demonstrated impact will be considered.

General Modeling Skills: Expert level proficiency in core modeling fundamentals is required, including scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, R), construction of ordinary differential equation (ODE) models, parameter estimation, and data visualization.

Industry Modeling Skills: Proficiency in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP), and/or mechanistic physiologically based PK/PD (PBPK/PD) is required. Proficiency in pharmacometrics concepts (Population PK, exposure-response modeling) is preferred.

Domain Expertise: Prior experience with the integration of computational modeling and biological concepts is required. Experience modeling in the neuroscience and/or cardiovascular disease areas is preferred but not strictly required. Experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics (siRNA, ASO, PMO, etc.) and/or related experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is strongly preferred.

Collaboration and Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate modeling results to a multidisciplinary audience for collaborative work and/or to facilitate strategy and decision-making. Fluent in English (oral and written).

This is a hybrid role that requires a balance of in-person and virtual working, with an average of 12 days a month on site in Cambridge, MA.

Candidates with demonstrated impact as a modeler, preferably in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, and with commensurate experience and proficiency may be considered for the Principal Scientist II (3+ years) or Senior Principal Scientist (5+ years) role.

This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered

The salary for this position is expected to range between:

Principal Scientist II: $126,000 and $234,000 per year.
Senior Principal Scientist: $152,000 and $261,000 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


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

$126,000.00 - $234,000.00


Skills Desired

Algorithms, Data Engineering, Innovation, Mentorship, Modeling And Simulation, Simulation Software, Waterfall Model