Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow / Discovery Postdoctoral Fellowess

Job ID

REQ-10054856

June 11, 2025

Switzerland

Summary

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

About the Role

We are looking for an independent, highly motivated researcher with a strong background in neuroinflammation and microglia biology, along with advanced expertise in cellular modeling. Your contributions will assist the research team in uncovering mechanisms of microglia modulation and their roles in neurodegenerative diseases.

In this position, you will gain access to cutting-edge cellular models and proprietary tools to modulate targets of interest, driving forward our understanding of signaling mechanisms involved in neuroinflammation. You will be supported by mentors with diverse educational backgrounds and rich experience in scientific research and drug development. Furthermore, you will have distinct opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams and scientists from various departments, gaining insights into different aspects of drug development.

As part of the Discovery Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will immerse yourself in a vibrant community of postdoctoral researchers, participating in monthly seminars and other scheduled events. You will benefit from a collaborative environment where fellow scientists will contribute to your scientific growth as well as professional skill enhancement. This comprehensive research program lasts up to 3 years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellows have the unique opportunity to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research and are expected to publish their findings in leading journals. We value collaboration across scientific and organizational boundaries, particularly focusing on emerging technologies that hold the potential to deliver therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

Through the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will advance your skills as a drug hunter and scientific leader. This role allows you to engage with a professional network that supports your growth as a research scientist, enabling you to tackle diseases and make a significant impact by reimagining medicine together.

Start date: September 1st, 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 using various tools and analytical methods in suitable cellular models.
• Collaborate closely with experimental teams within your group and across departments.
• Communicate your findings clearly to both field experts and non-experts.
• Prepare and present research outcomes in scientific publications and conferences.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience.
• PhD students in the final year of their thesis work are eligible to apply; applicants must have received their PhD within the last 2 years (i.e., from May 2023 onward).
• Strong knowledge of microglia biology and genuine interest in neuro-glia interactions.
• Comprehensive understanding of disease pathology in neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., AD, PD, ALS, MS).
• Practical experience working with complex cell culture models, such as primary mouse neuronal cultures and hiPSC-derived cells, or generating stable genetically engineered cell lines.
• Basic computational experience is advantageous.
• Experience with in vivo models and ex vivo analysis techniques is beneficial.
• 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 and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you require a reasonable accommodation in the recruitment process or would like more information about the essential functions of a position due to a medical condition or disability, please email diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com, detailing your request and contact information. Be sure to include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Helping individuals with illnesses and their families requires more than just innovative science; it demands a community of intelligent, passionate people like you. Together, we can collaborate, support, and inspire one another to achieve breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Are you ready to join us in crafting a brighter future?

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Benefits and Rewards

Discover how we can help you thrive both personally and professionally in our comprehensive benefits handbook: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards.

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