Senior Principal Scientist / Senior Principal Scientistess / Associate Director Clinical PBPK / Associate Director Clinical PBPKess

Job ID

REQ-10084148

Aug 04, 2026

Switzerland

Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Internal Title: Senior Principal Scientist or Associate Director
Location: Basel, Switzerland

The Modeling & Simulation group within PK Sciences is seeking a Principal Scientist to Associate Director level modeler to develop and apply translational physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, alongside data analysis techniques, to facilitate drug discovery, development, and translational research across various disease areas. Ideal candidates will possess experience with regulatory submissions and successful regulatory interactions.

Core responsibilities will include PBPK modeling to integrate in vitro and in vivo data for drug-drug interaction (DDI) assessments, the impact of biopharmaceutical properties on absorption, and pharmacokinetic (PK) predictions in humans, including specific populations (e.g. disease, organ impairment, pediatrics). The ultimate goal of this work is to lead the application of PBPK models in informing the safe administration of our drug candidates in clinical settings, optimizing clinical trial designs, and potentially waiving clinical trials, ultimately expediting our medicines' accessibility to patients.

The role requires a profound understanding of ADME/DMPK principles and biopharmaceutics knowledge, experience with industry-standard PBPK modeling packages (such as GastroPlus or Simcyp), as well as bespoke PBPK models. Candidates must also exhibit interdisciplinary thinking and a keen attention to detail, while working within a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment dedicated to building, verifying, and applying high-quality translational/biopharmaceutical PBPK models.

About the Role

Key responsibilities:

• Serve as an expert PBPK modeler providing translational modeling support for global drug discovery and development projects.
• Conduct translational PBPK analyses to predict clinical drug exposure in specific populations, assess potential DDI, grasp clinical impacts of disease on drug exposure, and apply biopharmaceutic PBPK modeling to support formulation changes and achieve clinical biowaivers.
• Integrate PK/PD data with ADME and DDI findings.
• Effectively interpret and communicate modeling results and their potential impact to project teams.
• Prepare summary documents for regulatory submissions and respond independently to inquiries from health authorities.

Essential Requirements:

• PhD in pharmaceutical sciences or a related discipline, with experience in ADME/DMPK sciences, biopharmaceutics, and modeling and simulation. A minimum of 5+ years in the pharmaceutical industry demonstrating knowledge and experience with PBPK modeling. The position level will be determined based on the candidate's experience.
• Hands-on experience with PBPK modeling tools such as PK-Sim, Simcyp, or GastroPlus is required. Experience with modeling software like Monolix, R, Phoenix, or Nonmem is preferred.
• Experience in authoring regulatory documents, along with knowledge of global regulatory requirements and guidance.
• Broad knowledge of drug discovery and development, including pharmacokinetics, drug delivery, formulation, ADME, DDI, etc.

This is a hybrid role requiring a balance of in-person and virtual work, with an average of 12 days per month on-site in Basel, Switzerland. Candidates demonstrating significant impact as modelers, preferably in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, may be considered for either the Principal Scientist II (5+ years) or Associate Director (8+ years) roles.

This is a dual posting, and the final level and title will be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience, and capabilities required for the position.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we are committed to reimagining medicine together while rewarding the individuals who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for this role:
CHF 122,500.00 - CHF 227,500.00 Annual

The offered base salary is determined by gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies, and experience in accordance with Novartis' pay setting policy and will be reviewed periodically after joining.

In addition to base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on specific performance parameters.

Being part of our team offers more than just base pay and incentives. We provide a variety of competitive benefits to support your personal and professional growth, including insurance plans, retirement options, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs. We also prioritize flexible and hybrid working arrangements where possible, as well as a minimum of 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

Pay equity is a core principle in our employment policy, reflecting our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Apply online using the form below.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO

Novartis is dedicated to creating an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you require an accommodation due to a medical condition or disability during the recruitment process or need detailed information regarding the essential functions of a position, please send an email to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com with your request and contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis?

Helping patients and their families goes beyond innovative science. It involves a community of intelligent, passionate individuals like you—collaborating, supporting, and inspiring one another. Together, we achieve breakthroughs that transform lives. Ready to create a brighter future with us?

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