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

Job ID

REQ-10050374

Date: May 22, 2025

Location: Basel, Switzerland

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

Summary

Welcome to Novartis BioMedical Research (BR), where innovation meets passion. With over 6,000 associates, we are the driving force behind transformative technologies that can lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for patients in need. At Novartis, we are redefining medicine to enhance and prolong lives, tackling some of society's most pressing healthcare challenges through innovative science and technology.

We are on a quest to continuously advance our scientific capabilities, empowering our curious, courageous, and collaborative teams to ask bold questions, make audacious decisions, and embrace smart risks. Join us in this meaningful mission as we explore new horizons in health care.

About the Role

Global Discovery Chemistry is on the lookout for a dynamic and creative PhD-level medicinal chemist to enhance our nucleotide and siRNA chemistry team in Basel. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, working at the intersection of research and development to discover and advance novel siRNA therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs.

Please note that we are open to hiring a candidate at a Principal Scientist level if their experience and skill set align better with that level.

Your Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary project team to develop innovative oligonucleotide therapies across diverse disease areas.
• Lead a team of scientists in designing and synthesizing new nucleotide building blocks and linkers from small to medium scale.
• Contribute intellectually to the success of assigned projects, implementing innovative siRNA chemistries in collaboration with project teams.
• Lead siRNA drug discovery projects in partnership with leaders from other functional areas.
• Critically analyze project data using advanced tools to identify scientific challenges and develop hypotheses.
• Drive innovative initiatives and establish new project portfolios, including exploratory projects in RNA therapeutics.
• Document and communicate scientific findings to both internal and external stakeholders through patent filing and publications.
• Mentor and develop team members, sharing your expertise to increase their project impact.

What You Will Bring to the Role

• A PhD degree focused on the synthesis and design of oligonucleotides.
• A minimum of 8 years of demonstrated practical knowledge in medicinal chemistry, especially in oligonucleotides, with a strong track record of deliverables. Experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis is a plus.
• Proven leadership and development skills in managing teams.
• A curious mindset with a willingness to embrace diverse ideas, along with a passion for personal and team development.
• Innovative problem-solving skills, coupled with the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, alongside strong influencing capabilities.
• A keen interest in disruptive technologies and scientific trends that enhance drug discovery.

Why Novartis

Our commitment is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend lives worldwide. Our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company. This ambition is driven by our remarkable team, whose dedication propels us forward every day.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Novartis, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with medical conditions or disabilities throughout the recruitment process. For assistance or further information, please reach out via email.

How to Apply

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

Join Our Network

If this role does not align with your experience or career aspirations, we invite you to join our Novartis Network to stay informed about future opportunities.

Benefits and Rewards

Explore our comprehensive benefits and see how we support your personal and professional growth.

Helping individuals and families affected by disease requires more than scientific innovation—it necessitates a collaborative community of passionate professionals. Together, we can create breakthroughs that change lives. Are you ready to join us in shaping a brighter future?