Principal Scientist / Principal Scientistess - In-Vivo Physiology, Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicine

Job ID

REQ-10055008

Date: June 20, 2025

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Onsite, full time, #LI-onsite

Summary

We are seeking a dedicated, innovative, and skilled neuroscientist to apply their research experience in neurodegenerative diseases to study age-related pathophysiological changes in the central nervous system (CNS) that lead to progressive structural and functional decline. Join our global, dynamic 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 associated functional decline.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Alzheimer’s disease, and experience in the translational aspects of human pathophysiology utilizing rodent model systems (in vivo/ex vivo) to derive deep insights into neuronal and other brain cell type pathobiology. As part of the Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicine (DARe) disease area within Biomedical Research, you will play a crucial role in our global research efforts to elucidate and target the molecular mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to the development of pharmacological interventions for patients.

This role involves robust collaboration across the DARe In-vivo Physiology, In-vitro Biology, and Data Science teams, as well as cooperation with scientists from the Neuroscience disease area to drive our research objectives.

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 in support of research aimed at developing novel therapeutics for age-related neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease.
• Mentoring and facilitating 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 intersection of in vitro biology, integrated pharmacology, aging, and disease research, partnering with a wide range of scientific experts across Novartis Biomedical Research to deliver new and actionable therapeutic targets for drug discovery.
• Supporting the identification of biomarker candidates, elucidating drug modes of action, and understanding cross-talk between CNS cell types and across brain subregions, as well as interactions with other organs to delineate disease trajectories and novel drug intervention strategies.
• Integrating laboratory research on in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo tissue and biofluid analyses, employing a broad range of molecular and cellular techniques.
• Interpreting and presenting results in both written and oral formats at project team meetings and to management decision boards.

What You'll Bring to the Role

Essential:

• PhD with 3+ years of post-doctoral research in neuroscience, with hands-on experience in designing and conducting rodent experiments, evidenced by 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, integrating genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data into research.
• Strong motivation to deepen knowledge of targeting neurodegenerative diseases related to aging and regenerative medicine.
• Proactive and dynamic attitude with a demonstrable inquisitive mindset and a proven ability to formulate, articulate, and critically evaluate scientific experiments.
• Excellent teamwork mindset and a high aptitude for collaboration in cross-disciplinary teams, with a strong desire to remain updated on the latest in vivo methodologies.
• Fluency in written and spoken English with exceptional communication skills.

Desirable Requirements:

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

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process or require more detailed information about the essential functions of the position due to a medical condition or disability, please send an email to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and include the nature of your request and your contact information. Please mention the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

At Novartis, we believe that helping people with diseases and their families requires more than just innovative science. It takes a community of intelligent and passionate individuals like you, collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other to achieve breakthroughs that can change patients' lives. Are you ready to join us in creating a brighter future?

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Benefits and Rewards

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

Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Pharma 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