Innovation Postdoc Fellow / Innovation Postdoc Fellowess

Job ID

REQ-10053278

Date Posted: Jun 22, 2025

Location: Switzerland

Summary

We are excited to announce the opportunity for the Data Science Innovation Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

About the Role

The **Data Science Innovation Fellowship** is a pioneering applied research program aimed at transforming drug discovery methodologies. This fellowship offers a unique chance for individuals to acquire training in data science and artificial intelligence specifically tailored for biomedical research. As a fellow, you will harness your quantitative and computational skills to make a significant impact on patient outcomes while redefining medicine at Novartis.

Joining the **Data Science Innovation Fellowship** track means becoming part of a dynamic community of postdoctoral researchers, engaging in events such as monthly seminars and collaborative activities. You will be immersed in a supportive environment filled with dedicated scientists, enhancing your scientific acumen while developing essential professional skills. Opportunities include a Postdoc Practicum in different laboratories or business functions within Novartis. This applied research program spans a duration of three years.

Our program emphasizes collaborative exploration in drug discovery. You will gain hands-on experience in data science and AI while working alongside a diverse team of over 300 global data scientists. The fellowship provides a distinct platform for analyzing real-world biomedical data at an unprecedented scale, typically inaccessible in academic settings. This is an incredible opportunity to be at the leading edge of data science and AI, contributing to the future of drug discovery!

The project focuses on human genetics-driven target discovery for immunological diseases. The successful candidate will implement a pipeline of statistical and machine-learning models to identify causal variants, correlate them with likely target genes, and elucidate potential underlying mechanisms. This pipeline will be applied to various immune system-driven diseases to generate and experimentally validate hypotheses regarding novel drug targets.

Through the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will enhance your proficiency as a drug hunter and emerge as a scientific leader in your field. You will connect with a professional network that supports your growth as a research scientist, empowering you to address disease challenges and make a meaningful impact in reimagining healthcare.

Start Date: September 1st, 2025

Location: Campus Basel, Switzerland

Key Responsibilities

As a Data Science Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

• Operate independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams to advance your project.
• Analyze, integrate, and visualize human genetics alongside complementary omics data.
• Employ statistical and machine/deep learning methodologies to identify disease-associated variants, their target genes, and regulatory mechanisms.
• Examine omics datasets to support or formulate hypotheses produced by machine learning models.
• Collaborate effectively with wet lab scientists to validate in silico findings.

Role Requirements

• PhD in Genetics, Computational Biology or a related field (PhD candidates in their final year may apply; eligibility extends to 2 years post-PhD, with degrees awarded May 2023 or later).
• Proficiency in computational and statistical analysis of genetics and omics data (GWAS, QTLS, transcriptomics, and chromatin omics).
• Strong programming, data visualization, and reproducible research skills using R/Bioconductor and/or Python.
• Experience in machine/deep learning is a plus.
• Prior experience in Immunology is beneficial.
• Demonstrated strong publication record or notable scientific achievements (e.g., awards, patents, grants).
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• A passion for exploratory research combined with an insatiable curiosity.

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

Accessibility & Accommodation

Novartis is dedicated to working with individuals and providing reasonable accommodations. Should you need assistance due to a medical condition or disability during the recruitment process, please contact us via email at diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com, indicating the nature of your request and your contact information. Including the job requisition number in your message is appreciated.

Why Novartis

At Novartis, helping individuals facing illness and their families requires more than innovative science; it necessitates a community of smart, passionate professionals like you. Together, we collaborate, support, and inspire each other to achieve breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

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Benefits and Rewards

Explore our handbook to learn about the diverse ways we empower you to thrive both personally and professionally: 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