Job ID: REQ-10084254
Date: Aug 11, 2026
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Summary
At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a Senior Principal Scientist / Associate Director within Molecular & Cellular Sciences (MCS), you will play a critical role in advancing exploratory biomarker strategies across our clinical pipeline. You will work at the intersection of biology, technology, and clinical development to deliver innovative biomarker solutions that enable smarter decisions and better outcomes for patients.
This position offers significant scientific leadership opportunities, where you will influence biomarker strategies across multiple programs, collaborate with global experts, and drive the implementation of cutting-edge biomarker technologies from early development through clinical studies.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a team of scientists responsible for developing, validating, and implementing exploratory soluble biomarker assays using LC-MS and immunoassay platforms across the Novartis portfolio.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in LC-MS and immunoassay technologies, such as ELISA, MSD, NULISA, and Ella.
- Oversee LC-MS and immunoassay laboratory operations, ensuring effective processes, procedures, resource planning, and project prioritization.
- Provide hands-on technical leadership to resolve analytical challenges and ensure high-quality method development, validation, sample analysis, and biomarker result delivery.
- Lead biomarker assay activities for clinical studies, including biomarker assays run internally or outsourced to strategic vendors.
- Analyze complex scientific data, interpret results, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for project teams and governance bodies.
- Identify emerging biomarkers, technologies, and methodologies that strengthen biomarker capabilities and support drug development decisions.
- Build strong collaborations across Novartis research functions and with external partners, including vendors, to advance biomarker strategy and execution.
- Represent Novartis through scientific publications, presentations, conferences, and external scientific engagement.
- Mentor, coach, and develop scientists and technical staff while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Essential Qualifications
- PhD with 5+ years or MSc with 8+ years of relevant industry experience in biomarker development, translational research, or related fields.
- Associate Director level will require previous people leadership experience.
- Strong expertise in soluble biomarker assay development, validation, and clinical implementation, including LC-MS and immunoassay platforms.
- Experience applying biomarker strategies from preclinical to clinical development to support program decisions and advance the portfolio.
- Proven scientific leadership, with the ability to shape strategy, solve technical challenges, and drive high-quality execution.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills in matrixed research, clinical, operational, and external partner environments.
- Solid experience mentoring and developing scientists or technical staff.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex science, influence stakeholders, and guide project teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong track record for providing scientific contributions in biomarkers, translational science, or analytical technologies.
- Established external scientific reputation through conferences, collaborations, publications, or consortia.
This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the role will be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience, and capabilities required to perform the role at the offered level.
Benefits & Rewards
At Novartis, we are committed to reimagining medicine together—and rewarding the people who make it happen.
- Expected Annual Base Salary Range for the role: 122,500.00 - 227,500.00 CHF.
- In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.
- We offer a variety of competitive benefits to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs.
- Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.
Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect.
Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements. A full overview of your compensation package will be communicated separately during the application process.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams—representative of the patients and communities we serve.
If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, please send an e-mail to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your 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 individuals like you. Join us in collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.