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

Job ID

REQ-10050374

Date Posted: May 22, 2025

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Employment Type: Full time, onsite, #LI-onsite

Summary

With a team of 6,000 associates, Novartis BioMedical Research (BR) is the innovation engine of Novartis, dedicated to harnessing powerful new technologies that can lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for patients. At Novartis, we are redefining medicine to improve and extend lives through innovative science and technology. Our goal is to address some of the most challenging healthcare issues and develop novel treatments that can reach those in need. We believe that curiosity, courage, and collaboration empower us to explore new questions, make bold decisions, and take smart risks.

About the Role

Global Discovery Chemistry is seeking a passionate and creative PhD-level medicinal chemist to enhance our nucleotide and siRNA chemistry team in Basel. This position offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment at the interface between research and development, focusing on the discovery and development of novel siRNA therapies targeting 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.

Your Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary project team to discover and develop novel oligonucleotide therapies across various disease areas.
• Lead a team of scientists dedicated to the design and synthesis of new nucleotide building blocks, linkers, and backbones from small to medium scale.
• Intellectually contribute to and own the success of assigned projects while exploring innovative siRNA chemistries alongside project teams.
• Lead siRNA drug discovery projects in partnership with leaders from other functions.
• Review and analyze data from projects using state-of-the-art digital tools to identify problems, develop hypotheses, and design molecules.
• Drive innovation for new projects, including developing an exploratory projects portfolio and evaluating new technologies in the RNA therapeutics space.
• Document and communicate results to both internal and external audiences through patent filings or scientific publications.
• Support and develop team members by sharing your know-how and hands-on experience.
• Mentor scientists and foster their development, regardless of reporting lines, to enhance their project impact.

What You Will Bring to the Role

• A PhD focusing on the synthesis and design of oligonucleotides.
• 8+ years of practical knowledge in medicinal chemistry with a focus on oligonucleotides, with a strong track record of deliverables. Experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis is a plus.
• A proven history of leadership and development skills.
• A mindset of curiosity and openness to diverse thinking, with enthusiasm for personal and team development.
• Innovative and independent problem-solving capabilities.
• Interest in disruptive technologies and science trends, particularly data science and automation/miniaturization, applied to drug discovery.
• Aptitude for working in a fast-paced, team-oriented matrix environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present and discuss project strategies and challenges.

Why Novartis

Our mission is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As part of our vision, we aim to be the most valued and trusted medicines company worldwide. Achieving this requires the dedication of our associates, who drive us to reach our goals. Be a part of this inspiring mission!

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is devoted to fostering an outstanding and inclusive work environment with diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

If you require reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or disability during the recruitment process, or if you need detailed information about essential functions of this position, please send an e-mail to Show e-mail. Include the job requisition number in your message.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Benefits and Rewards

We encourage personal and professional growth. Learn more about all the ways we support our associates in our handbook.

Join Our Novartis Network

If this role isn’t suitable for your experience or career goals, but you wish to stay connected to learn more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network.