Job ID
REQ-10070143
Date
Mar 09, 2026
Location
Basel, Switzerland
Employment Type
Full time, #LI-Onsite
Summary
Disease Area X, a part of the Biomedical Research (BR) group at Novartis, is dedicated to advancing research on critical human organs, including the kidney, lung, and liver. We are looking for an experienced in vivo pharmacologist to join our interdisciplinary pharmacology team and contribute to the development of novel medicines aimed at clinical application.
In this role, you will be responsible for designing, executing, and implementing preclinical in vivo pharmacology strategies for drug discovery programs. You will lead a team of scientists in the conception, execution, and interpretation of both in vivo and ex vivo studies that support new model development, target validation, and the progression of drug discovery projects. Collaboration with key matrixed functions within DAx and BR will be crucial to ensure seamless advancement of drug discovery efforts and effective translation of scientific insights into clinical impact.
About the Role
Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Serve as the in vivo pharmacology lead on drug discovery project teams and act as lab head, overseeing a team of laboratory research scientists.
- Define and drive the in vivo pharmacology strategy for drug discovery projects, navigating multi-disciplinary project teams toward key decision milestones.
- Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of in vivo and ex vivo rodent experiments to support a portfolio of drug discovery programs, including new target identification, validation, and discovery of in vivo target engagement biomarkers.
- Guide and mentor research scientists within the pharmacology discipline, fostering their development and scientific growth.
- Contribute to due diligence activities, manage external research collaborations, and oversee outsourcing of in vivo studies.
- Communicate and report project and team strategies, scientific vision, and data to key stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner.
Essential Requirements - What You Will Bring to the Role
- Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in pharmacology, biology, or a related field, ideally with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in drug discovery, specifically in vivo preclinical research within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector.
- At least 3 years of proven expertise in leading high-performing in vivo pharmacology teams.
- Certifications required for conducting and supervising animal experiments (minimum LTK 2, or an equivalent FELASA Cat. C accredited course).
- Demonstrated expertise in leading preclinical animal model studies, including the design and execution of fit-for-purpose drug discovery in vivo flow charts (PK/PD, efficacy), and enabling deep mechanistic and pharmacological characterization of lead candidates.
- Strong preference for expertise in animal models of renal diseases and/or liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. Prior experience with ex-vivo rodent tissue molecular or biochemical assays is also preferred.
- Ability to effectively influence within a matrixed environment. Must be team-oriented, collaborative, and committed to mentoring and developing talent, while fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and scientific rigor.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; proficiency in German is desirable.
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, please send an email to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know your request and contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Why Novartis
Helping people with diseases and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate individuals collaborating, supporting, and inspiring one another. Together, we can achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Learn more about our mission.
Benefits and Rewards
Discover all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally. Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB).
Application Process
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
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
Job Title
Senior Principal Scientist/in-vivo Pharmacology Lab Head (80-100%*)