Principal Scientist

Location: Basel, Switzerland
Full time, onsite, #LI-Onsite
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to advance our mission to deliver transformative new therapies for patients with chronic diseases, with a special emphasis on liver diseases, in the Disease Area x (DAx) at the Novartis Biomedical Research (BR) facility located in Basel, Switzerland.
In this position, you will identify and lead novel innovative therapeutic approaches to treat chronic diseases, such as liver diseases, ranging from target identification and validation to drug discovery and identification of candidate molecules towards clinical evaluation. A deep understanding of liver physiology and pathology is strongly desirable. You should possess advanced proficiency in cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, have expert knowledge of cellular tissue models and profiling technologies, and be adept at using data science tools to analyze complex datasets. In that role, you will be leading a team of experienced scientists and contribute to the strategic development of the liver therapeutic area and beyond.

About the Role

A deep understanding of liver physiology and pathology is strongly desirable. You should possess advanced proficiency in cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, have expert knowledge of cellular tissue models and profiling technologies, and be adept at using data science tools to analyze complex datasets. In this role, you will be leading a team of experienced scientists and contribute to the strategic development of the liver therapeutic area and beyond.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead a group of scientists focused on preclinical activities related to the identification and validation of targets and drug candidate molecules for chronic illnesses, with a particular emphasis on liver diseases.
• Apply innovative in vitro/ex vivo models, which reflect human disease conditions, to identify drug candidates.
• Translate therapeutic concepts from preclinical models to patients and vice versa, including cutting-edge experimental approaches and application of data science tools.
• Strongly contribute and influence the strategic direction of liver research in DAx, stay up-to-day with latest developments in the field of liver diseases.
• Shape, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of scientists by fostering a collaborative environment and developing skills of team members.
• Navigate effectively in a matrix-based, cross-functional environment, collaborating across departments within Novartis Biomedical Research and beyond.
• Maintain a strong external network with academic institutions and manage external collaborations.
• PhD/Postdoc in life science, such as cell or molecular biology or physiology.
• A minimum of 5 years in drug discovery for chronic diseases in an industrial setting with demonstrated expertise ranging from target identification toward clinical application.
• Possess an in-depth molecular understanding of physiology and disease pathophysiology, such as for liver diseases, and have expert knowledge of cell-based methods (primary cells, organotypic cultures, explants) to mimic disease conditions in vitro/ex vivo.
• Is highly proficient in state-of-the-art molecular, cellular and biochemical assay and profiling technologies, including – but not limited to – single-cell transcriptomics techniques.
• A deep understanding of data science and application of data science tools to evaluate complex datasets is highly desired.
• Proven leadership skills in managing and guiding teams effectively, including setting and evaluation of objectives, and advancing the development of people.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of biologists, computational scientists, and translational research/medical scientists.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and excellent attention to detail.

*Restrictions on flexible working and reduced working time may apply and can be discussed at interview stage if required

Accessibility and accommodation:
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

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?

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