Principal Scientist / Principal Scientess

Novartis Pharma AG - July 18, 2025

Job ID

REQ-10055008

Date Posted

Jul 15, 2025

Location

Basel, Switzerland

Position Type

Onsite, full-time, #LI-onsite

Summary

We are seeking a dedicated, innovative, and skilled neuroscientist to apply their research experience in neurodegenerative diseases. The focus will be on studying age-related pathophysiological changes in the central nervous system (CNS) that lead to progressive structural and functional decline. Join our dynamic global research environment to contribute to the discovery of new medicines targeting neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging.

About the Role

Our vision is to pioneer the development of novel therapeutic approaches based on the understanding that age is the greatest risk factor for neurodegeneration and related functional decline.

The ideal candidate will have a robust background in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, and experience in translational aspects of human pathophysiology utilizing rodent model systems (in vivo/ex vivo). Within the Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicine (DARe) area of Biomedical Research, you will contribute to elucidating and targeting molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases to develop pharmacological interventions for patients.

This role requires strong collaboration across the DARe In-vivo Physiology, In-vitro Biology, and Data Science teams, as well as cooperation with scientists in the Neuroscience disease area to drive our research goals forward.

Major Accountabilities

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Managing a small in vivo laboratory team, designing, and conducting state-of-the-art in-vivo mouse and rat experiments to support research aimed at developing novel therapeutics for age-related neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Mentoring and supporting the career development of direct reports.
  • Conducting cutting-edge research on pathophysiological changes in neurons and other CNS cell types, including synaptic dysfunction and metabolic changes related to aging and disease.
  • Collaborating at the interface between in vitro biology, integrated pharmacology, aging, and disease research to deliver new and actionable therapeutic targets to develop innovative medicines addressing neurodegeneration.
  • Supporting the identification of biomarker candidates, elucidating the mode of action of drugs, and understanding cross-talk between CNS cell types and across brain subregions, as well as with other organs, to delineate disease trajectories and novel drug intervention strategies.
  • Integrating laboratory research of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo tissue and biofluid analyses while applying a broad range of molecular and cellular techniques.
  • Interpreting and presenting results effectively in both written and oral formats at project team meetings and to management decision boards.

What You'll Bring to the Role

Essential:

  • A PhD with 3+ years of post-doctoral research in neuroscience, with hands-on experience in designing and conducting experiments with rodents, documented through publications.
  • Accreditation for animal experimentation (LTK1/LTK2, FELASA B, or equivalent).
  • Deep knowledge of human and animal pathophysiology related to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Additional expertise in neuro-endocrine systems, metabolism, and CNS tissue homeostasis is advantageous.
  • Proficiency in handling and analyzing large datasets and integrating genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data into research.
  • A strong motivation to learn more about targeting neurodegenerative diseases of aging and regenerative medicine.
  • A proactive and dynamic attitude, with a demonstrable inquisitive mindset and a proven ability to formulate, articulate, and critically evaluate scientific experiments.
  • Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to thrive in cross-disciplinary teams, demonstrating high learning agility and a desire to stay up to date with the latest in vivo methodologies.
  • Fluency in written and oral English, with excellent communication skills.

Desirable Requirements:

  • Knowledge of aging biology.
  • Experience in assessing pathophysiological cross-talk between different CNS cell types and CNS subregions, as well as with peripheral organs.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process due to a medical condition or disability, please contact us. Include your request along with your contact information and the job requisition number.

Why Novartis

Helping people with diseases and their families involves more than just innovative science. It requires a community of intelligent, passionate individuals collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other. Are you ready to create a brighter future together?

Join Our Novartis Network

If this role is not the right fit for you, consider signing up for our talent community to stay informed about suitable career opportunities as they arise.

Benefits and Rewards

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

Application Process

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

Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Pharma Research

Employment Type

Full-time

Shift Work

No

Location : BASEL
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

Only pdf, Word, or OpenOffice file. Maximum file size: 3 MB.