Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow / Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowess

Job ID

REQ-10057213

Date: July 07, 2025

Location: Switzerland

Summary

We are inviting applications for our Innovation Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Program.

About the Role

This applied research program is designed to transform our approach to drug discovery. As a fellow, you will apply your skills to make a difference for patients and reimagine medicine at Novartis. Drug hunting is a collaborative effort, and you will gain invaluable experience in drug discovery as part of a multi-disciplinary team within Biomedical Research. Seize the opportunity to be at the forefront of the future of drug discovery!

As part of the Innovation Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will join our vibrant and dedicated postdoctoral community. Participate in monthly seminars and events tailored for postdocs. You will be surrounded by a supportive, collaborative network of postdocs and scientists, contributing to the acceleration of your scientific growth while also building essential professional skills. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to engage in a Postdoc Practicum in another laboratory or within a business function at Novartis. This applied research program has a duration of 3 years.

Transcription factors play crucial roles in regulating immune responses, inflammation, and cellular stress pathways. However, their structural flexibility—often due to intrinsically disordered regions—has historically rendered them "undruggable." This project aims to overcome that challenge by leveraging innovative mechanisms to selectively target these proteins. By modulating transcription factor stability, we aim to unlock new therapeutic strategies for immunological disorders with significant unmet medical needs, particularly in patient populations that are unresponsive to existing treatments.

Through the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will enhance your competencies as a drug hunter and as a scientific leader in the field. Join a professional network that will support your growth as a research scientist, allowing you to tackle diseases and make a meaningful impact by reimagining medicine together.

Preferred start date: October 2025

Key Responsibilities

As an Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

• Work independently as well as collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Investigate novel mechanisms for the targeted degradation of transcription factors, focusing on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs).
• Conduct cell-based and in vitro experiments.
• Analyze multi-omics data and apply AI-driven protein complex modeling in collaboration with data science experts.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams in immunology, chemistry, and structural biology, as well as with data scientists.
• Contribute to publications and the advancement of new drug discovery technologies.

Role Requirements

• PhD in transcription factor biology or a related field.
• Note that PhD students in their final year are eligible to apply. Applicants must apply within 2 years of earning their PhD (i.e., PhD degrees must have been awarded June 2023 or later).
• Experience in understanding regulatory complexes using protein-based approaches, as well as functional cellular assays.
• Strong publication record or other scientific achievements (e.g., awards, patents, grants).
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.

How to Apply

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

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If, due to a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an email to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com. Include your contact information and the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Helping individuals facing diseases and their families requires more than innovative science; it requires a community of smart, passionate individuals like you. Collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other leads to breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Are you ready to create a brighter future together?

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Benefits and Rewards

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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