Principal Scientist - in-vivo Drug Discovery Pharmacology (80-100%*)

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Full time, onsite.

Novartis BioMedical Research is the innovation engine of Novartis, focusing on powerful new technologies that have the potential to produce therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

We are inviting applications for a Laboratory Head of Drug Discovery Pharmacology in Oncology Research. This role involves conducting cutting-edge in vivo pharmacology research in collaboration with leading basic research groups within Biomedical Research.

About The Role

Your role and responsibilities:

You will lead a small team of pharmacology associates working on drug discovery pharmacology across small molecules, biologics, and other therapeutic modalities. You will manage an in vivo pharmacology lab, supervise a team of associates, support their project responsibilities, and contribute to team-held objectives, including investigations of drug mechanisms of action, pharmacodynamics readouts, and exploration of therapeutic hypotheses.

We seek a highly motivated, passionate, curious, and collaborative scientist with proven experience in all facets of oncology drug discovery and preclinical development in a biotech or pharma setting. You should have a deep understanding of tumor intrinsic biology, preclinical pharmacology, and mechanisms of response and resistance to cancer-targeted therapies. The selected candidate will lead drug discovery pharmacology efforts and work closely with global cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, pre-clinical toxicology, PK sciences, and translational oncology biology, to advance novel ideas from the scientific concept stage to human clinical trials.

Experienced leading a lab of Scientists and collaborating across teams with senior stakeholder engagement in a matrixed environment are required. The successful candidate will have the presentation skills to influence and inform scientific decisions at senior management, cross-functional, or external meetings. The candidate will have opportunities to develop and foster external partnerships or academic collaborations to advance internal programs, as appropriate.

Biomedical Research is committed to people development, and we foster a learning environment to build scientific and leadership skills. In addition to leading scientific projects, the candidate will also be able to participate in and lead site initiatives and influence broader portfolio, strategic, and business development decisions.

Minimum Requirements

What you’ll bring to the role:

1. Ph.D. in pharmacology, bioengineering, biotechnology, or a related field
2. Deep knowledge in the pharmacology field with extensive in-vivo experience, including microsurgeries on rodents, as well as imaging (e.g., CT) and ex vivo work (e.g., Western blot, qPCR, FACS, cell culture)
3. Excellent leadership skills to guide and mentor a team of scientific associates
4. At least 10 years of relevant in-vivo pharmacology experience, with ideally 3-5 years in a drug discovery industry environment
5. Meticulous, independent, and self-motivated personality with a drive to learn new techniques, expand knowledge, and take on responsibilities
6. Excellent communication skills in English and the motivation to work independently within a global team. Experienced in presentation to senior stakeholders is required.
7. Animal experimentation/in-vivo certification at LTK II level or European equivalent is required
8. Restrictions on flexible working may apply and will be discussed during interview if applicable.

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.

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