Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow / Discovery Postdoctoral Fellowess

Job ID

REQ-10054303

Jun 05, 2025

Switzerland

Summary

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Functional Genomics

About the Role

We are excited to announce the opening of applications for our Discovery Fellowship track within the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

Join Novartis Biomedical Research as a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow in the Oncology Drug Discovery (ODD) group in Basel, Switzerland. In this role, you will delve into a project focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that regulate specific lineage-specific transcription factors and their selective oncogenic functions. Utilizing cutting-edge gene editing and functional genomics techniques, you will investigate the structure-function relationship of these oncogenes, exploring their differing roles in transcription regulation and responses to external stimuli in cancer biology. Your research will also aim to elucidate mechanisms of resistance that may develop following pharmacological treatments.

As a participant in the Discovery Fellowship track, you will become part of a vibrant postdoctoral community at Novartis, engaging in events such as monthly postdoc seminars. You will be supported by a collaborative network of postdocs and scientists, contributing to your scientific development and professional skill enhancement. Additional opportunities include a Postdoc Practicum in another laboratory or a business function within Novartis. This applied research program lasts up to three years, with an option for a one-year extension.

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellows enjoy a unique opportunity to conduct groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and are expected to publish their findings in prestigious journals. Our collaborative efforts span scientific and organizational borders, focusing on powerful new technologies that could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

Through the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will develop your skills as a drug hunter and scientific leader. Join a professional network that supports your growth as a research scientist and collaborates on tackling diseases to make a meaningful impact in medicine.

Preferred start date: October 1st 2025

Location: Campus Basel, Switzerland

Key Responsibilities

As a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, your responsibilities will include:

• Working independently and collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, while maintaining timely organized records and actively participating in laboratory activities.
• Designing, executing, analyzing, and evaluating experiments across various in vitro and ex vivo assays.
• Conducting literature research, implementing new technologies, and presenting findings within the team and the broader scientific community.
• Participating in internal meetings, presenting at international conferences, and publishing in top-tier scientific journals.

Role Requirements

• PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• PhD students in the final year of their thesis work are eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree within two years from the date of application (PhDs awarded May 2023 or later).
• Knowledge of gene regulation, chromatin, and transcription factor biology, particularly in the context of cancer.
• Strong experience with molecular biology tools, gene editing (e.g., knock-in/out, base editing), and genome-wide genomic techniques (e.g., ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq).
• Expertise in large-scale functional genomics screens (e.g., CRISPR screens, Perturb-seq, deep mutational scanning).
• Bioinformatics skills are a plus.
• Demonstrated strong publication record or other scientific achievements (e.g., awards, patents, grants).
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• A passion for fundamental exploratory research and a boundless curiosity.

Apply

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

Accessibility & Accommodation

Novartis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. If you require reasonable accommodations due to a medical condition or disability at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out via email to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com. Be sure to mention the nature of your request along with your contact information and the job requisition number.

Why Novartis?

Helping individuals affected by diseases and their families extends beyond innovative science; it requires a community of intelligent, passionate individuals like you. Together, we collaborate, support, and inspire one another, converging to achieve breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Are you ready to help create a brighter future?

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Benefits and Rewards

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Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Pharma Research

Location

Switzerland

Site

Basel (City)

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