Research Scientist I/II in Basel

This is a temporary contractor opportunity at Novartis

Novartis touches the lives of a tenth of the world’s population. Every role here, regardless of contract type, makes an impact on human life!

This role is offered through Magnit Global, who, if selected, will be your employer. If your services are retained, you will be assigned to provide services to Novartis as the end client. This is not an offer of employment with Novartis. If you are selected for this Temporary/External opportunity, you will not be an employee of Novartis and will not be eligible for any Novartis employee benefits or incentives.

Ready to work with/through Magnit at Novartis? Please read on…

Job description:

Single-cell and spatial omics technologies are transforming biomedical research by enabling deep characterization of complex biological systems at unprecedented resolution. These approaches provide unique insights into cellular heterogeneity, rare cell populations, disease mechanisms, and treatment responses across a wide range of preclinical and translational research applications.

Single-cell profiling plays a critical role in the development and validation of advanced experimental models, helping ensure that research systems are well characterized and biologically relevant. In addition, large-scale single-cell datasets are increasingly used to support data-driven discovery approaches, including the development of computational and artificial intelligence models for biological interpretation and target identification.

Complementing these capabilities, spatial transcriptomics enables the analysis of gene expression within intact tissue architecture, providing essential context on cellular organization, cell-cell interactions, and tissue responses. Together, single-cell and spatial technologies bridge discovery and translational research by linking molecular insights to biological function across diverse model systems and human samples.

We are seeking scientists who are passionate about applying cutting-edge omics technologies, leveraging large-scale datasets, and working at the interface of experimental biology, data science, and translational research to accelerate scientific innovation and therapeutic discovery.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop, evaluate, and implement innovative NGS methods and protocols, with emphasis on single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial multimodal applications or multi-omics applications to enhance platform capabilities and provide comprehensive insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets
• Independently perform experiments, analyze data, and generate high-quality reports.
• Apply scientific rigor to ensure the generation of FAIR-compliant data.
• Collaborate with wet lab and bioinformatics teams to interpret complex sequencing datasets and provide actionable insights to project teams
• Present protocols and results to internal stakeholders

Essential Requirements

• Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline with 1-2 years industry experience specifically in genomics, in-situ hybridization, imaging and spatial techniques
• Direct, demonstrable experience with advanced molecular technologies, particularly Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows
• Exceptional proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, and NGS library preparation
• Experience working with challenging clinical sample types (e.g., FFPE tissue, primary tumor cells, low-input samples).
• Experience and enthusiasm for developing and refining experimental methods.
• Ability to independently conduct experiments, evaluate data, and communicate findings effectively.
• You have an exceptional ability to collaborate within and across matrix teams, enabling both effective independent and team-based work in a diverse and heterogeneous environment

Desirable Requirements

• Excellent communicators with a high fluency in English, a desire to continuously build a personal network and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, inclusive environment which gives you full accountability for your own contributions and development
• Experience with single-cell and spatial transcriptomics platforms is desired

Workload:

100%

Role type:

Onsite

Required start date:

November 2026

Contract:

18 months (possible extension)

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?

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.

Accommodation:

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Magnit at

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