Job ID
REQ-10074527
March 23, 2026
Switzerland
Summary
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Full-time, onsite, #LI-Onsite
In the Immunology group in Biomedical Research, we are developing the next generation of medicines for inflammatory bowel disease with the ambition to transform the lives of patients. This is an opportunity for you to bring your scientific talent and curiosity into a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment where your work will turn complex human data into actionable, therapy-relevant insights in a competitive and dynamic field.
About the Role
The Translational Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) lab is integrated within the Immunology Research Disease Area and will accelerate target discovery and positioning of therapeutic compounds for IBD (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's disease). We are seeking a scientist with a strong background in mechanistic translational research in mucosal immunology to lead the lab research activities. If you are passionate about the molecular basis of IBD and compound modes of action at the interface of preclinical and clinical research, we want you on our team.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute mechanistic experiments hands-on, linking human disease biology to druggable targets within and beyond the immune system, and accelerating preclinical compound development, strengthening the understanding of drug modes of action, and differentiating novel drugs from standard-of-care treatments.
- Leverage human biosamples (e.g., blood, intestinal biopsies) to generate decision-making data and position candidate molecules for clinical trials (target validation, MoA studies, biomarker strategy).
- Partner closely with early clinical teams (Biomarker Development, Translational Medicine) to test clinical hypotheses for early clinical strategies (e.g., patient stratification).
- Champion data-driven target discovery, in collaboration with data scientists, in vivo biology labs, and other groups in Novartis Biomedical Research to connect quantitative methods (e.g., ex vivo analyses, transcriptomics) to patient heterogeneity and outcomes.
- Drive a culture of collaboration, talent development, and integrity.
Minimum Requirements
- Ideally PhD or MD qualified in Mucosal Immunology, Gastroenterology, Barrier Immunology (skin/lung/intestine), or a related field with a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications.
- At least 3 years of relevant translational research expertise in an interdisciplinary setting in academia or industry, bridging clinical and preclinical evidence.
- Hands-on mastery of routine immunological/cell biology/molecular biology assays (e.g., multi-parametric flow cytometry) and in vitro human models relevant to IBD and mucosal immunity (e.g., primary immune/epithelial cells, slice cultures).
- Proven ability to conduct experiments using in vitro human systems and biosamples (e.g., PBMCs, primary immune/epithelial cells, tissue explants), including sample-tracking best practices and consent/ethics.
- Experienced in collaborating with data scientists, ensuring high-quality experimental design and reproducibility.
- Proven track record of completing projects on schedule in view of narrow timelines.
Additional Requirements
- Prior experience mentoring junior researchers would be an advantage.
- Experience contributing to drug discovery programs in biotech/pharma or translational academic/clinical settings (e.g., in vitro pharmacology, biomarker studies) is a plus.
- Data Science literacy and confidence in interpreting multi-omic outputs and statistical analyses is an additional asset.
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, due to a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process or require more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an email to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com, specifying your request and contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Why Novartis?
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you—collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other. Together, we can achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Learn more about our vision and culture.
Benefits and Rewards
Discover the many ways we support your personal and professional growth. Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB).
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