Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow / Discovery Postdoctoral Fellowess

Job ID

REQ-10054303

Date

June 05, 2025

Location

Switzerland

Summary

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Functional Genomics

About the Role

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

Join Novartis Biomedical Research as a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow and become part of our esteemed Oncology Drug Discovery (ODD) group in Basel, Switzerland. This role presents an opportunity to work on projects aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate specific lineage-specific transcription factors and their oncogenic functions.

You will utilize cutting-edge gene editing and functional genomics techniques to investigate the structure-function relationships of oncogenes, their regulation of transcription, responses to external stimuli in cancer contexts, and elucidate mechanisms of resistance that may arise from pharmacological treatments.

As a participant in the Discovery Fellowship track, you will join a vibrant postdoctoral community with opportunities for monthly seminars and additional networking events. You will be surrounded by a supportive team of postdocs and scientists committed to fostering your scientific growth. The program also allows for a Postdoc Practicum in another laboratory or business function within Novartis, enhancing your professional skill set. This research program spans up to 3 years, with an option to apply for a one-year extension.

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellows are encouraged to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research and are expected to publish their findings in leading journals. Our collaborative environment strives to harness advanced technologies that may lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

Through the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will build the competencies essential for a successful career in drug discovery and leadership in scientific research. Together, we aim to reimagine medicine and make meaningful impacts on disease.

Preferred Start Date

October 1, 2025

Key Responsibilities

• Work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams while maintaining organized and timely records.
• Design, execute, analyze, and evaluate experiments across various in vitro and ex vivo assays.
• Research scientific literature, implement new technologies, and present findings both internally and to the broader community.
• Deliver presentations at internal meetings and international conferences, and contribute to publications 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. Applicants must apply within 2 years of receiving their PhD (awarded May 2023 or later).
• Knowledge of gene regulation, chromatin, and transcription factor biology, particularly within cancer.
• Extensive experience with molecular biology tools, gene editing (e.g., knock-in/out, base editing), and genome-wide genomics 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.
• Strong publication record or other notable scientific achievements (e.g., awards, patents, grants).
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• A passion for fundamental exploratory research and an insatiable curiosity.

How to Apply

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

Accessibility & Accommodation

Novartis is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you require any assistance due to a medical condition or disability for any part of the recruitment process, please reach out to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com, detailing your request and contact information. Be sure to include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Supporting individuals facing disease and their families requires more than just innovative science; it demands a community of passionate, intelligent individuals like you. Together, we collaborate and inspire one another to achieve breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Are you ready to create a brighter future together?

Learn more about our strategy and culture at Novartis People and Culture.

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Benefits and Rewards

Explore our handbook to discover all the ways we support your personal and professional growth: Novartis Benefits & Rewards.

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