Principal Scientist - RNA Therapeutics (80-100%*)

Job content

Job Description

6500! 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist/Lab Head with at least 3-5 years of relevant industry experience in pre-clinical pharmaceutical development to join the Biotherapeutic Engineering and Gene Therapy (BEGT) group within NBC in Basel, Switzerland.

The BEGT group drives a diverse portfolio of modalities including therapeutic proteins, multi-specific antibodies, CAR-T, RNA therapeutics and AAV. Through innovative and rational modality design, the BEGT group works collaboratively with Disease area groups to broaden the use of biologics into therapeutic applications where conventional antibodies have limitations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in evaluation of bio-conjugate therapeutics. Hands-on experience in cell culture, compound analytics and molecular biology techniques are a plus.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Oversee and lead a mechanistic siRNA laboratory. Your skills will be applied to the goal of identification and validation of new siRNA designs and chemistries.
  

Closely work with siRNA chemists and provide support during oligonucleotide construct validation and lead optimization including functional characterization RNA constructs via in vitro cellular assays for selectivity and activity.

• Excel at designing experiments to address key scientific questions
• Possess scientific curiosity and have the insight for solving problems in drug discovery together with a disease area partner.
• Mentor and develop team members.
• Lead drug pre-clinical drug discovery programs.
  

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

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

PhD, plus Postdoctoral experience in ideally Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry with a minimum of 3 + years relevant industry experience in RNAi therapeutics mediated delivery in a Biotech or Pharma environment

• Deep knowledge and understanding how to set up experiments to understand cell biology, specifically RNA silencing.
• Extensive hands-on experience in testing siRNA in mammalian cell culture including primary cells and in handling tissues.
• Be familiar with NGS methods, including transcriptomics
• Be highly proficient with oligonucleotide-based cellular assays such as qRT-PCR, ddPCR, ELISA etc.
• The ideal candidate has previous experience in relevant cell culture lines (e.g., Myocyte, Hepatocyte, pancreatic). Experience in RNAi mechanism of action, delivery is a plus.
• Highly collaborative spirit in- and outside of department to advance programs to clinic, strong communication skills, creativity, and multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
  

Desired:

• Expertise in the cellular and functional characterization of oligonucleotides and RNA delivery is highly desired
• Prior experience with shRNA and AAV technologies are a plus
  

Why Novartis?

769 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2020, and while we’re 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’s possible, when we collaborate with courage to aggressively and ambitiously tackle the world’s toughest medical challenges. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying!

Imagine what you could do here at Novartis!

• This position is eligible for 80-100%* working time, however, some restrictions on flexible working options may apply and will be discussed during interview if applicable.
  

Join our Novartis Network:

If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to learn more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

Division

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research

Business Unit

BIOLOGICS NIBR

Country

Switzerland

Work Location

Basel

Company/Legal Entity

Novartis Pharma AG

Functional Area

Research & Development

Job Type

Full Time

Employment Type

Regular

Shift Work

No

Early Talent

No