Principal Scientist - Oncology Research (80-100%*)

Job Description

6000+! That’s the number of associates in the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR). This division is the innovation engine of Novartis, focusing on powerful new technologies that have the potential to help produce therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

With Novartis expanding its horizons in the field of targeted radioligand therapy (RLT), the Oncology department at NIBR is looking for a PhD level Principal Scientist with a strong background in cancer cell biology. Expertise in the field of radiobiology and/or DNA Damage Repair would be desirable.

The candidate will join the Oncology Translational Research group located in Basel, Switzerland, and will be responsible to lead a laboratory and projects aimed at supporting the clinical development of cancer therapeutics including radioligand therapies, as well as increasing the mechanistic understanding of targeted radioisotope-based therapies.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a world class research team at NIBR in Basel, Switzerland.

Through a broad and deep knowledge of cancer biology and in collaboration with peers within the team, the candidate is expected to develop ideas and conduct experiments to understand and validate the effect of radiation caused by radioligand conjugates on various cellular functions including DNA damage repair (DDR) and cell fate, discover combination therapy opportunities, identify molecular predictors of response to cancer therapies and to investigate resistance or survival mechanisms in presence of such drugs.

Amongst others, your role will be to define and implement cutting-edge experimental strategies, to produce high quality data to validate concepts, and to translate scientific insights into clinical development strategies in collaboration with the respective project teams. To achieve this, state-of-the-art, hands-on molecular and cell biology experience, as well as proficiency in leveraging and utilizing bioinformatics infrastructure and tools will be required to perform in the role. Strong collaborative team spirit, excellent communication skills and willingness to pro-actively interact across the global organization will be essential to succeed in the role. Excellent mentoring and coaching skills will be a necessary asset to develop lab members scientifically and professionally.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Define and execute best experimental strategy to deliver interpretable data to test hypotheses, address scientific questions and progress projects
• Perform lab work (in vitro) to deliver the highest quality of experimental science
• Guide, supervise and develop scientific research associates, as well as manage lab resources in a flexible manner to adapt to changing priorities
• Contribute to drug discovery and clinical development projects within multidisciplinary teams
• Develop novel ideas and concepts aimed at identifying optimal ways to use cancer drugs, including RLTs/radioligand therapies in patients
• Present concepts and projects in a clear, scientifically sound / data-driven and objective manner in different settings and venues
• Closely work with multiple teams across expertise groups within Oncology and across departments in the global organization

Diversity & Inclusion / EEO

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

Minimum Requirements

What you will bring to the role:

• Ph.D. with a minimum of 2-4 years postdoc experience
• Strong cancer biology background and track record of scientific accomplishment at high standards
• Background in DNA damage repair / radiobiology is highly desirable
• State-of-the-art experimental expertise in molecular and cellular biology and proficiency in data analysis (bioinformatics skills considered advantageous)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English

Why consider Novartis?

769 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2020, and while we are proud of this, we know there is so much more we could do to help improve and extend people’s lives.

We believe new insights, perspectives and ground-breaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation. That a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment inspires new ways of working.

We believe our potential can thrive and grow in an unbossed culture underpinned by integrity, curiosity, and flexibility. And we can reinvent what is possible, when we collaborate with courage to tackle the world’s toughest medical challenges aggressively and ambitiously. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying!

Imagine what you could do here at Novartis!

*Restrictions on flexible working may apply and will be discussed at interview stages as required