Innovation Postdoc Fellow / Innovation Postdoc Fellowess

Job ID

REQ-10053278

Date: June 06, 2025

Location: Switzerland

Summary

We invite you to apply for the Data Science Innovation Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. This unique opportunity is designed to revolutionize the drug discovery process, providing fellows with training in Data Science and AI tailored for biomedical research.

About the Role

As a fellow in the Data Science Innovation Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will become part of a vibrant, dedicated postdoctoral community. Engage in enriching events, including monthly seminars and scheduled gatherings that foster collaboration and professional growth.

This program, lasting up to two years with an optional one-year extension, offers hands-on experience in Data Science and AI within drug discovery, allowing you to contribute to breakthrough innovations alongside a diverse global community of over 300 data scientists.

Your project will involve human genetics-driven target discovery for immunological diseases. The successful candidate will develop a pipeline of statistical and machine learning models aimed at identifying causal variants, linking them to their target genes, and exploring their underlying mechanisms. This research will contribute to clear hypotheses regarding novel drug targets, which will be tested experimentally.

By participating in the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will enhance your competencies as a drug hunter and scientific leader, gaining invaluable experience while making a meaningful impact in the field of medicine.

Start date for the fellowship is September 1st, 2025.

Key Responsibilities

As a Data Science Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow, your duties will include:

• Working independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams to advance your project.
• Analyzing, integrating, and visualizing human genetics with complementary omics data.
• Utilizing statistical and machine/deep learning methods to identify disease-associated variants and their target genes.
• Analyzing omics datasets to support or formulate hypotheses generated by machine learning models.
• Collaborating effectively with wet lab scientists to validate in silico findings.

Role Requirements

• PhD in Genetics, Computational Biology or a related field (PhD students in the final year of their thesis work are eligible. Applications are accepted for up to two years following receipt of the PhD, with degrees awarded May 2023 or later).
• Strong skills in computational and statistical analysis of genetics and omics data (e.g., GWAS, QTLs, transcriptomics, and chromatin omics).
• Proficiency in programming, data visualization, and reproducible research using R/Bioconductor and/or Python.
• Experience with machine/deep learning methods is advantageous.
• Background in Immunology is considered a plus.
• Demonstrated publication record or 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. Please ensure to clearly communicate in your application how this training program aligns with your career aspirations. Note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Accessibility & Accommodation

Novartis is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all individuals. If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process due to a medical condition or disability, please contact us at diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com and provide details regarding your request along with your contact information. Don't forget to include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

At Novartis, we believe that aiding individuals with diseases and their families extends beyond innovative science; it relies on a community of dedicated and passionate individuals like you. Together, we can collaborate, support, and inspire breakthroughs that change lives. Ready to help reshape the future?

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Benefits and Rewards

Explore our handbook to discover the various ways we support your personal and professional growth: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Division: Biomedical Research

Business Unit: Pharma Research

Employment Type: Early Career (Fixed Term)

Work Schedule: Full time