Innovation Postdoc Fellow / Innovation Postdoc Fellowess

Job ID

REQ-10053278

Date

June 10, 2025

Location

Switzerland

Summary

We are excited to invite applications for our Data Science Innovation Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

About the Role

This applied research program aims to transform the drug discovery process, providing fellows with a unique opportunity to train in Data Science and AI for biomedical research. As a fellow, you will leverage your quantitative and computational skills to make a significant impact on patient care and help redefine the future of medicine at Novartis.

Within the Data Science Innovation Fellowship track, you will engage with a vibrant postdoctoral community, participating in events such as monthly seminars and various networking opportunities. You will be part of a supportive and collaborative environment of postdoctoral researchers and scientists, facilitating your scientific development and enhancing your professional skillset. This program offers a three-year duration, during which you may also undertake a Postdoc Practicum in another lab or business function within Novartis.

Drug discovery is a collaborative effort, and as a fellow, you will experience the application of Data Science and AI in drug discovery as part of a multidisciplinary team in Biomedical Research. You will innovate by utilizing cutting-edge data methodologies while connecting with a diverse network of over 300 data scientists globally. This program provides a rare opportunity to work with substantial biomedical data that is typically inaccessible in academia, placing you at the forefront of Data Science and AI and enabling you to shape the future of drug discovery.

This project focuses on human genetics-driven target discovery for immunological diseases. The successful candidate will develop a pipeline of statistical and machine learning models to identify causal variants, correlate them with potential target genes, and outline the underlying mechanisms. This pipeline will be applied to diseases driven by the immune system to generate clearly defined hypotheses on 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 a scientific leader in the field. You will join a professional network that nurtures your growth as a research scientist, empowering you to address disease challenges and create a meaningful impact in medicine.

Start date

September 1, 2025

Key Responsibilities

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

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

Role Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• PhD in Genetics, Computational Biology or a related field (Note: PhD students in the final year of their thesis work are eligible to apply. Applicants must apply within 2 years of receiving their PhD, meaning the degree must be awarded on or after May 2023).
• Strong competency 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 in R/Bioconductor and/or Python.
• Experience with machine/deep learning techniques is a plus.
• Experience in Immunology is advantageous.
• Demonstrated 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 profound curiosity.

How to Apply

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

Why Novartis

Helping individuals affected by disease and their families requires more than innovative science; it necessitates a community of dedicated, passionate people like you. Together, we can achieve breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Are you ready to create a brighter future together?

Join Our Novartis Network

If this role isn't the right fit for you, consider signing up for our talent community to stay connected and be informed about suitable career opportunities as they arise.

Benefits and Rewards

Explore our handbook to discover how we’ll support your personal and professional growth.

Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Pharma Research

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

This improved and formatted version retains the original information while enhancing clarity, engagement, and professionalism.