Innovation Postdoc Fellow / Innovation Postdoc Fellowess

Job ID

REQ-10053278

June 22, 2025

Switzerland

Summary

We are excited to announce an opportunity for the Data Science Innovation Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. This unique applied research initiative is designed to transform the landscape of drug discovery, creating a path for fellows to engage in Data Science and AI for biomedical research.

About the Role

As a fellow in the Data Science Innovation Fellowship, you will immerse yourself in a vibrant postdoctoral community. Participate in enriching events, such as monthly seminars tailored for postdocs, and cultivate your scientific and professional skill set. You will also have the opportunity to engage in a Postdoc Practicum in another lab or business function within Novartis over the three-year duration of this program.

Collaboration is key in drug discovery, and you will work with a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to Biomedical Research. You will contribute to innovative projects by utilizing cutting-edge data approaches, teaming up with over 300 data scientists worldwide. This program grants you access to substantial real-world biomedical data, typically inaccessible in academic settings, presenting a remarkable opportunity to influence the future of drug discovery.

This fellowship focuses on human genetics-driven target discovery for immunological diseases. As a successful candidate, you will develop statistical and machine learning models to identify causal variants, connect them to potential target genes, and explore their underlying mechanisms. Your work will inform hypotheses on novel drug targets and support experimental validation.

Engage in the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, where you will enhance your expertise as a drug hunter and a scientific leader. Join a professional network that fosters your growth and allows you to address disease challenges collaboratively.

Start Date: September 1, 2025

Location: Campus Basel, Switzerland

Key Responsibilities

As a Data Science Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

• Work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams to drive project initiatives.
• Analyze, integrate, and visualize human genetics alongside complementary omics data.
• Employ statistical and machine/deep learning methods to identify disease-associated variants, their target genes, and regulatory mechanisms.
• Analyze omics datasets to substantiate or refine hypotheses generated by machine learning models.
• Collaborate effectively with experimental scientists to validate in silico findings.

Role Requirements

• PhD in Genetics, Computational Biology, or a related field (PhD students in their final year are eligible to apply. Applicants must have completed their PhD within the last two years, with degrees awarded after May 2023).
• Strong skills in computational and statistical analysis of genetics and omics data (including 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 beneficial.
• Demonstrated publication record or notable scientific achievements (such as awards, patents, grants).
• Exceptional analytical, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• A passion for exploratory research and an insatiable curiosity.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Accessibility & Accommodation

Novartis is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If you require assistance during the recruitment process due to a medical condition or disability, please contact us so we can address your needs. Ensure you include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

At Novartis, we believe that helping patients and their families requires more than just innovative science; it demands a community of intelligent, passionate individuals. Together, we collaborate, support, and inspire each other toward breakthroughs that can change lives. Are you ready to help create a better future?

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Benefits and Rewards

Discover the various ways we support your personal and professional development in our handbook.

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