Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow / Discovery Postdoctoral Fellowess

Job ID

REQ-10054856

Date

June 11, 2025

Location

Switzerland

Summary

Join Novartis Biomedical Research as a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow and be part of our Neuroinflammation team within the Neuroscience Research Department in Basel, Switzerland.

About the Role

We are seeking an independent, highly motivated, and dedicated researcher with a substantial background in neuroinflammation, microglia biology, and advanced technical expertise in cellular modeling. You will support the research team in elucidating mechanisms of microglia modulation and their contribution to neurodegenerative diseases.

In this role, you will have access to state-of-the-art cellular models and proprietary tools to modulate targets of interest, aiming to elucidate the signaling mechanisms involved in the biology of neuroinflammation. Supported by mentors with diverse educational backgrounds, scientific and technical expertise, and drug development experience, you will also have a unique opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams and scientists from other departments, gaining insights into various aspects of drug development.

As part of the Discovery Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will join a vibrant, dedicated postdoctoral community for events, including monthly seminars and other scheduled activities. This environment fosters scientific growth and professional skillset development, including the opportunity to participate in a Postdoc Practicum in another laboratory or business function at Novartis. The applied research program lasts up to 3 years, with a potential extension of 1 year.

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellows have the opportunity to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research, and are expected to publish their results in leading journals. Collaboration across scientific and organizational boundaries, with a focus on new technologies that can lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for patients, is encouraged.

Through the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will develop your competencies as a drug hunter and scientific leader in the field. Join a professional network that supports your growth as a research scientist and work towards making an impact by reimagining medicine together.

Start Date

September 1, 2025

Location

Campus Basel, Switzerland

Major Accountabilities

As a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

• Independently design and develop cellular assays to study mechanisms and functional consequences of microglia target modulation
• Investigate intra-, extra-, and intercellular signaling pathways in appropriate cellular models using a variety of tools and analytical methods
• Collaborate closely with experimental teams within the group and across departments
• Communicate your findings clearly to both experts and non-experts in the field
• Prepare and present research findings in scientific publications and at conferences

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience
• PhD students in the final year of their thesis work are eligible to apply. Applicants should apply no later than 2 years from the date of receiving their PhD (i.e., PhD degrees must have been awarded May 2023 or later).
• Good knowledge of microglia biology with specific interest in neuro-glia cross talk
• In-depth understanding of the current knowledge on disease pathology of neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., AD, PD, ALS, MS)
• Solid experience with complex cell culture models, including primary mouse neuronal cultures and hiPSC-derived cells, or the ability to generate stable genetically engineered cell lines
• Basic computational experience is a plus
• Experience with in vivo models and ex vivo analysis techniques is a plus
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and organizational skills
• A passion for fundamental exploratory research and boundless curiosity

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process due to a medical condition or disability, please send an email to Show e-mail, and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Helping individuals with disease and their families requires more than innovative science; it takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. We collaborate, support, and inspire each other to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Are you ready to create a brighter future together?

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Benefits and Rewards

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Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Pharma Research

Company / Legal Entity

C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG

Functional Area

Others

Job Type

Full time

Employment Type

Early Career (Fixed Term)

Shift Work

No