Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow / Discovery Postdoctoral Fellowess in Cancer Functional Genomics

Job ID

REQ-10054303

June 5, 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 and become part of our Oncology Drug Discovery (ODD) group in Basel, Switzerland. You will embark on a project aimed at unraveling the molecular mechanisms that regulate the activity of specific lineage-specific transcription factors and their selective oncogenic functions.

Your role will involve utilizing cutting-edge gene editing and functional genomics techniques to investigate the structure-function relationship of these oncogenes, examining their differential regulation of transcription and response to external stimuli in cancer contexts. This research will also contribute to understanding mechanisms of resistance that may arise following pharmacological treatments.

As part of the Discovery Fellowship track, you will engage with a vibrant community of postdoctoral researchers. This includes opportunities for professional development through events like monthly postdoc seminars and collaborative research experiences. The program spans up to three years, with an option to extend for an additional year.

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellows are encouraged to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research and are expected to publish their findings in leading scientific journals. Our collaborative environment promotes the use of advanced technologies that have the potential to lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

Through the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will enhance your skills as a drug hunter and a scientific leader. Join a professional network that supports your growth as a research scientist, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in tackling disease and reimagining medicine together.

Preferred start date: October 1, 2025

Location: Campus Basel, Switzerland

Key Responsibilities

As a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, your main responsibilities will include:

• Working independently and collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, maintaining organized records, and actively participating in lab activities.
• Designing, executing, analyzing, and evaluating experiments in various in vitro and ex vivo assays.
• Researching scientific literature, implementing new technologies, and presenting findings to the team and the broader scientific community.
• Presenting at internal meetings, 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 their final year of thesis work are eligible to apply. Applicants must have received their PhD no earlier than May 2023.
• 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 genomics techniques (e.g., ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq).
• Expertise in large-scale functional genomics screens (e.g., CRISPR screen, Perturb-seq, deep mutational scanning).
• Bioinformatics skills are a plus.
• A 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 working with and providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If, due to a medical condition or disability, you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process or need further information regarding the essential functions of a position, please send an email to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com indicating the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Helping people affected by disease and their families requires more than innovative science; it needs a community of smart, passionate individuals like you. At Novartis, we foster collaboration, support, and inspiration among each other, working together to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Join our Novartis Network

Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up for our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as they become available: Novartis Talent Network.

Benefits and Rewards

Discover how we can support your personal and professional growth by reading our handbook: Novartis 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