Clinical Biospecimen Senior Scientist at Novartis

Jun 23, 2026

What is your current job title and, in a few words, please tell us what it is that you do?

Denia Cai Shi, PhD is a Clinical Biospecimen Senior Scientist. She supports clinical research by making sure patient samples are collected, handled, and tested correctly during clinical trials. These samples help scientists understand diseases and evaluate whether new medicines are safe and effective. Her role focuses on coordinating the operational and management aspects of working with cross-functional teams, laboratories, and workflows to ensure highquality samples are available to support meaningful medical research.

What is the highest degree you have earned and what can you tell us about your academic path?

I earned a PhD in Plant Biology, where my research focused on natural products in human health, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. While I initially planned to pursue a career in academia, I explored industry during my PhD through a full-time co-op at Johnson & Johnson focused on digital technologies in Alzheimer’s disease research. I later participated in the Janssen–Drexel Fellowship, where I split my time between an academic clinical trial environment and working as a Clinical Scientist-in-Training at Johnson & Johnson. Through these experiences, I discovered a strong interest in the operational side of sponsor-driven clinical research, which led me to my current role as a Clinical Biospecimen Senior Scientist.

Where do you work now and what is your company about?

I currently work at Novartis. Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company driven by science and innovation, with a mission to reimagine medicine and improve patients’ lives. Novartis is a place where curiosity, learning, and collaboration are encouraged, and where there are many paths beyond the traditional academic route to make a meaningful difference in healthcare.

How did you first learn about the company?

I first learned about Novartis during my co-op at Johnson & Johnson. A colleague who previously spent 10 years at Novartis recommended I explore opportunities there, especially when I started applying for roles, because she spoke highly of the culture and growth opportunities.

What do you like most about the company?

What I appreciate most about Novartis is the innovation-driven culture where people with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to bring new ideas forward and collaborate across teams to contribute to meaningful drug development advance and ultimately improve patients’ lives.

What skills make you successful in your role and why did you choose this role?

The key skills that help me succeed in my role are communication, organization, and time management. I chose this role because I enjoy the operational side of clinical research and the day-to-day project management involved in running clinical trials.

How do you define success?

I define success as doing work that feels purposeful while being in an environment that supports your growth both professionally and personally.

What's the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

The most fulfilling part of my job is working in a collaborative environment and seeing cross-functional teams with different backgrounds collaborate to streamline clinical studies that can ultimately improve and save patients’ lives.

What advice do you have for students and job seekers?

Don’t judge a role by its title alone: focus on the job description. Titles can vary a lot between companies, and a role you might overlook could be a great match based on your skills and interests. Stay persistent, keep an open mind, and take the time to read postings carefully before deciding whether to apply.

What book did you read last?

“The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman.