Principal Scientist / Principal Scientistess

Job ID

REQ-10066548

Date: Nov 18, 2025

Location: Basel, Switzerland - Onsite

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced PhD-level scientist to lead our mid/large xRNA synthesis team in Basel. This position requires extensive collaboration within a multidisciplinary environment, bridging research and development to discover and advance innovative siRNA therapies that address significant unmet medical needs.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a state-of-the-art oligonucleotide synthesis facility, managing both capital and consumables budgets efficiently.
• Lead and guide a team of scientists specializing in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification of oligonucleotides at millimole scale to deliver on our growing siRNA portfolio.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality siRNA products for both in vitro screening and in vivo evaluation within drug candidate pipelines.
• Collaborate with discovery xRNA and existing oligonucleotide synthesis teams in Basel as well as in Cambridge.
• Provide technical leadership to the scale-up team in the synthesis of oligonucleotides and optimize methodologies and processes to improve efficiencies.
• Collaborate with synthetic chemists and project teams to scale up new siRNA chemistries that address critical scientific challenges and facilitate their seamless transition into development.
• Document and effectively communicate results and scientific insights to internal and external stakeholders through patent applications and scientific publications.
• Mentor and support team members by sharing technical expertise and hands-on experience in the work environment.
• Demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills with a solution-oriented mindset.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A PhD in synthetic chemistry focused on oligonucleotides, with 2-3 years of experience in an industry setting.
• Proven practical experience in oligonucleotide solid-phase synthesis and downstream processing, with expertise in mid/large scale oligo synthesis and process development.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience in developing scientific teams.
• Capacity to promote and implement innovative ideas within a global team context.
• Strong independent problem-solving skills.
• Proven collaborative attitude.
• Proficiency in managing multiple priorities effectively while maintaining focus where necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams that are representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is dedicated to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or disability, or require more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please contact us at inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com. Please provide the nature of your request along with your contact information and include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Helping people with diseases and their families requires more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate individuals like you—collaborating, supporting, and inspiring one another to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Learn more about us.

Join Our Novartis Network

If this isn't the right role for you, sign up for our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as they arise: Join our talent network.

Benefits and Rewards

To learn more about the various ways we support your personal and professional growth, please read our handbook: Explore our benefits and rewards.

How to Apply

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

Division: Biomedical Research

Business Unit: Research

Location: Switzerland

Site: Basel (City)

Company / Legal Entity: C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG

Functional Area: Research & Development

Job Type: Full time

Employment Type: Regular

Shift Work: No