Early Talent Program Automation Engineer

Summary

Stay for 24 months in Chemical and Analytical Development (CHAD) through our Early Talent Program (ETP)! We look for a recent MSc or PhD graduate to support and expand the implementation of automation across the organization. This program offers opportunities for rotations across multiple drug development areas, with a strong focus on hardware automation within the Biocatalysis Team’s high‑throughput environment in CHAD. The program provides training in current safety, quality, and training systems, alongside hands‑on application of cutting‑edge academic and industrial research, while fostering soft skills and internal networks for a future pharmaceutical career.

About the Role

Duration: 2 years

Preferred start date: September 1, 2026

Key responsibilities:

• Evaluate and implement future lab automation and manufacturing solutions within CHAD.
• Pioneer the use of autonomous mobile lab robots within the Biocatalysis Team at Novartis.
• Support hardware automation initiatives across the organization through close collaboration with cross‑functional experts and a strong understanding of their needs.
• Actively contribute to strategic planning for future laboratory automation investments.

Essential requirements:

• MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., Industrial Automation Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Informatics, or Biochemistry) with strong hands‑on experience in laboratory and hardware automation, including lab robotics. Your degree should have been completed within the past ca. 2 years
• Proactive, open‑minded and team‑oriented professional, motivated to collaborate across multidisciplinary environments spanning molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, and analytics.
• Proficiency in English (oral and written).
• Proven track record in implementing lab automation solutions.
• Hands‑on, results‑oriented professional able to drive projects end‑to‑end, from concept development to fully automated laboratory workflows.

Desirable requirements:

• Solid foundation in biological and/or chemical laboratory work.
• Interest in autonomous mobile laboratory robotics and automated lab environments.
• Experience with liquid handling automation and/or exposure to robotic orchestration software.

Important:

• Please submit a cover letter that includes your motivation for the position and from when you will be available. Thank you.
• Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or have completed their studies at a Swiss University.
• Application deadline: April 19, 2026

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)