Senior Scientist I - siRNA / Senior Scientistess I - siRNA

Job ID

REQ-10043483

May 13, 2025

Switzerland

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Full time, onsite, #LI-Onsite

We are seeking a highly motivated and curious lab-based Senior Scientist I focused on siRNA discovery in the xRNA Team within Biomedical Research in Basel. Our team develops next-generation xRNA therapeutics in a collaborative and innovation-driven environment, aiming to transform the lives of millions of patients with unmet medical needs. The successful candidate will have a background in biology research, ideally specializing in RNA biology. Strong experience in medium- to high-throughput screening using automation, cell culture techniques, assay development, and technologies such as liquid handlers is essential.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, plan, and conduct routine siRNA screening in cell-based transfection assays using qPCR and reporter-based systems.
• Perform novel assay development and optimization for cell-based assays with an emphasis on improving throughput through automation.
• Contribute to designing and developing automated workflows.
• Operate automated liquid handling robotics platforms.
• Work collaboratively in a matrix-oriented environment and present work regularly in unit meetings.
• Act as a point of contact for daily activities within the team.
• Document experiments in lab notebooks, conduct data analysis, interpretation, and present findings to the team in a timely manner.

Role Requirements:

• A higher degree in biology (such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree) or an apprenticeship with equivalent industry experience in biochemistry, cell biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of research experience, ideally in a laboratory environment within the pharma and/or biotech industry.
• Expertise in cell culture and conducting expression readouts (e.g., qPCR, Western Blot, ELISA).
• Experience with liquid handlers and automation of cell-based assays.
• Strong competence in MS Office applications, particularly Excel, and proficiency in maintaining electronic Lab Notebooks.
• Exceptional multi-tasking, organizational skills, attention to detail, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Desired Requirements:

• Experience with primary cell culture.
• Expertise in Spotfire and/or GraphPad PRISM.
• Experience with BioMek or Opentrons liquid handlers.

Note: Restrictions on flexible working may apply and are discretionary, and can be discussed during the interview if applicable.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If you need assistance due to a medical condition or disability during any part of the recruitment process, or if you would like more detailed information regarding the essential functions of a position, please contact us at Show e-mailm">Show e-mail. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families requires more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate individuals like you. We collaborate, support, and inspire each other, combining our efforts to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Are you ready to create a brighter future together?

Learn more here.

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Benefits and Rewards

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How to Apply

Apply online using the form below.

Note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Pharma 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

Novartis is committed to fostering an outstanding, inclusive work environment and building diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.