Job opportunity

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

Novartis Pharma AG BASEL September 18, 2026

Job ID: REQ-10084148

Date: August 04, 2026

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Summary

The Modeling & Simulation group within PK Sciences is seeking a highly skilled individual for the position of Senior Principal Scientist or Associate Director. This role is dedicated to advancing drug discovery, development, and translational research through the application of translational physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and data analysis techniques across various disease areas.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in regulatory submissions and interactions, with a strong focus on PBPK modeling for drug-drug interaction (DDI) assessments, biopharmaceutical properties influencing absorption, and pharmacokinetic (PK) predictions across diverse populations such as pediatric and organ-impaired individuals.

The ultimate aim of this role is to utilize PBPK modeling to enhance the safe administration of our drug candidates in clinical settings, optimize trial designs, and expedite the delivery of our medicines to patients.

Key Responsibilities

  • Expertly conduct PBPK modeling to provide translational support for global drug discovery and development projects.
  • Perform translational PBPK analyses to predict clinical drug exposure in specific populations and assess potential DDI.
  • Understand the clinical impact of diseases on drug exposure and apply biopharmaceutical PBPK modeling for formulation changes.
  • Integrate pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) data and DDI findings.
  • Effectively interpret and communicate modeling results to project teams.
  • Prepare summary documents for regulatory submissions and respond independently to health authority inquiries.

Essential Requirements

  • PhD in pharmaceutical sciences or a related discipline with a strong background in ADME/DMPK sciences, biopharmaceutics, and modeling.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry with demonstrable expertise in PBPK modeling.
  • Hands-on experience with PBPK modeling tools such as PK-Sim, Simcyp, or GastroPlus is essential.
  • Familiarity with modeling software including Monolix, R, Phoenix, or Nonmem is preferred.
  • Experience authoring regulatory documents and knowledge of global regulatory requirements.
  • Comprehensive understanding of drug discovery and development processes, including pharmacokinetics, drug delivery, and ADME.

This hybrid role necessitates a blend of in-person and virtual working, with an average of 12 days per month required on-site in Basel, Switzerland.

Candidate qualifications may allow consideration for either the Principal Scientist II (5+ years) or Associate Director (8+ years) role. The final level and title will be determined by the hiring team's evaluation of the candidate's skills and experience.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we are dedicated to reimagining medicine together and rewarding the individuals who contribute to our success.

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

The base salary will be determined following gender-neutral objectives, considering relevant skills, competencies, and experience in line with our pay-setting policy. Additionally, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus, and long-term equity awards may be offered.

Our commitment to our team extends beyond competitive compensation. We provide a range of benefits to support your well-being, such as insurance plans, retirement options, wellness resources, and global recognition programs. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are available, alongside a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis wholeheartedly embraces diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We believe that diverse teams reflect the communities we serve, enhancing our ability to meet the needs of our patients.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We are dedicated to providing accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance while participating in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Apply Online

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Work locationBASEL, Switzerland

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