Senior Principal Scientist - siRNA Chemistry / Senior Principal Scientistess - siRNA Chemistry

Job ID

REQ-10050374

Apr 29, 2025

Switzerland

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Full time, onsite, #LI-onsite

Join the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), a division that serves as the innovation engine of Novartis, dedicated to developing powerful new technologies to achieve therapeutic breakthroughs for patients. At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine to improve and extend lives, leveraging innovative science and technology to tackle some of society's most pressing healthcare challenges. Our commitment is to discover and develop breakthrough treatments and ensure their delivery to as many individuals as possible. We believe that the answers lie in empowering curious, courageous, and collaborative thinkers to explore new questions, make bold decisions, and embrace smart risks.

Global Discovery Chemistry is seeking a passionate and creative PhD-level medicinal chemist to enhance our nucleotide and siRNA chemistry team in Basel. You will collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment at the research-development interface to discover and develop novel siRNA therapies addressing significant unmet medical needs.

Please note that we have the option to hire someone at a Principal Scientist level if this role level better matches the experience and skill set of the applicant.

About the Role

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary project team to discover and develop novel oligonucleotide therapies across various disease areas.
• Lead a team of scientists focused on designing and synthesizing new nucleotide building blocks, linkers, and backbones from small to medium scale.
• Intellectually contribute to and drive the success of assigned projects, collaborating with teams to implement and explore innovative siRNA chemistries.
• Lead siRNA drug discovery projects in partnership with leaders from various functions.
• Critically analyze data from projects using state-of-the-art analysis and digital tools to identify complex problems and develop scientific hypotheses.
• Drive innovation by establishing new projects, developing exploratory project portfolios, and evaluating new technologies in the RNA therapeutics space, collaborating with global partners.
• Document and communicate scientific findings to internal and external audiences in patent filings or publications as appropriate.
• Support and develop team members by sharing your expertise and hands-on experience.
• Provide mentoring to scientists, fostering their development to maximize their project impact.

What you will bring to the role:

• A PhD degree focused on the synthesis and design of oligonucleotides.
• Practical experience in medicinal chemistry, particularly in oligonucleotides, with a proven track record over 8+ years. Experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis is a plus.
• A strong record of leadership and development capabilities.
• A curious mindset and openness to diverse thinking, with a passion for personal and team development.
• Innovative and independent problem-solving abilities.
• Interest in disruptive technologies such as data science and automation/miniaturization and their application in drug discovery.
• Aptitude for working in a fast-paced, team-oriented matrix environment. Excellent communication and influencing skills, with an ability to present and discuss project strategies and challenges effectively.

Why Novartis

Our mission is to reimagine medicine to enhance and extend lives. We aim to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world, guided by our dedicated associates who drive our ambitions each day. Be part of our mission by applying online using the form below.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment and building diverse teams that represent the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Should you require reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or disability for any part of the recruitment process, or if you would like more detailed information about a position's essential functions, please contact diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Join our Novartis Network

If this role does not align with your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected with Novartis and learn about future career opportunities, join our Novartis Network here.

Benefits and Rewards

Discover how Novartis will support your personal and professional growth by reading our benefits and rewards handbook here.