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

Job ID

REQ-10050374

May 22, 2025

Switzerland

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland
Full time, onsite, #LI-onsite

6000! That’s the number of associates in the Novartis BioMedical Research (BR) division. This team serves as the innovative engine of Novartis, focusing on advanced technologies that have the potential to create therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine to enhance and extend people's lives. We leverage cutting-edge science and technology to tackle some of society's most pressing healthcare challenges. Our mission is to discover and develop transformative treatments while finding new ways to provide these innovations to as many individuals as possible. We believe the answers lie in empowering curious, courageous, and collaborative individuals to ask new questions, make bold decisions, and take intelligent risks.

Global Discovery Chemistry is looking for a passionate and innovative PhD-level medicinal chemist to join our nucleotide and siRNA chemistry team in Basel. You will engage in highly collaborative work within a multidisciplinary environment at the intersection of research and development to discover and develop novel siRNA therapies addressing significant unmet medical needs.

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

About the Role

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate extensively within a multidisciplinary project team to discover and develop new oligonucleotide therapies across various disease areas.
• Lead a team of scientists dedicated to designing and synthesizing new nucleotide building blocks and linkers from small to medium scale.
• Intellectually contribute to and take ownership of the success of assigned projects.
• Work closely with project teams to conceive, implement, and explore innovative siRNA chemistries that address key scientific questions and facilitate their transition to development.
• Lead siRNA drug discovery projects in partnership with leaders from other functions.
• Review and critically analyze project data using advanced data analysis and digital tools, identifying complex challenges and designing innovative solutions.
• Drive innovation for the establishment of new projects, including developing an exploratory projects portfolio and evaluating new technologies in the RNA therapeutics field.
• Document and communicate results and scientific findings to internal and external stakeholders, including patent filings and scientific publications.
• Support the development of team members by sharing expertise and hands-on experience.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to scientists, fostering their professional growth and enhancing their contributions to projects.

What You Will Bring to the Role

• A PhD degree with a focus on oligonucleotide synthesis and design.
• Demonstrated practical knowledge in medicinal chemistry, particularly with oligonucleotides, with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• A proven track record of leadership and development skills.
• A mindset of curiosity and openness to diverse thought, coupled with a passion for personal and collective development.
• Innovative and independent problem-solving skills.
• An interest in disruptive technologies and scientific trends, such as data science and automation, and their applications in drug discovery.
• Adeptness in working within a fast-paced team-oriented matrix environment, with excellent communication and influencing skills.

Why Novartis

Our mission is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend lives. Our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company globally. This ambition is fueled by our associates who motivate us to achieve our goals. Become a part of this extraordinary journey!

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and building diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process due to a medical condition or disability, please send an email to Show e-mail with details of your request and contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Join Us!

If this position does not align with your experience or career aspirations but you would like to stay connected with Novartis, apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Benefits and Rewards

Read our handbook to discover all the ways we support your personal and professional growth.

Helping people with diseases and their families requires more than just innovative science; it necessitates a collaborative community of smart and passionate individuals. Are you ready to contribute to creating breakthroughs that change lives? Together, we can build a brighter future!