Principal Scientist I/II, Oncology Drug Discovery Biology

Summary

About Us: Novartis Biomedical Research (BR) is the innovation engine of Novartis—where deep disease biology meets bold therapeutic innovation. In Oncology Drug Discovery Biology, we translate a precise understanding of cancer mechanisms into new therapeutic concepts and modalities. We are seeking a Ph.D.-level scientist with a strong track record in cancer biology to join our Oncology Research team in Basel, lead a laboratory, and help discover the next generation of oncology medicines for patients with high unmet medical need.

About this job: You will bring deep cancer biology expertise to generate, shape, and test bold new ideas for oncology drug discovery. Working with scientific peers and cross-functional partners, you will define and execute cutting-edge experimental strategies, generate high-quality data, validate targets and concepts, establish relevant cellular assays, and support the optimization and characterization of new molecular entities toward clinical proof of concept. Success in this role will require strong hands-on expertise in molecular and cell biology, rigorous experimental thinking to drive the mechanistic dissection of intracellular and cell surface targets, the ability to leverage bioinformatics and genome- and proteome-wide technologies to answer key biological questions, and knowledge in cutting-edge modalities and assays in emerging spaces such as Induced Proximity.

Why Join Us: At Novartis, you will grow as a scientist and leader while contributing to high-impact oncology projects. This role offers the opportunity to expand your expertise, build new skills, take on increasing responsibility, and help project teams advance breakthrough science with the potential to improve patients’ lives.

About the Role

Major accountabilities include:

• Lead a Drug Discovery Biology laboratory, guiding, supervising, and developing scientific associates to deliver high-quality experimental science.
• Apply rigorous statistical thinking to large-scale datasets or other pertinent sources to identify new biological insights and therapeutic opportunities.
• Design and execute smart and innovative experimental strategies that generate interpretable data, test hypotheses, answer key scientific questions, and move projects forward.
• Implement cutting-edge technologies for target identification, validation, and structure/function studies and eventually drive drug discovery programs from inception through all stages
• Partner closely across Oncology expertise groups and with teams across the global Novartis organization.
• Communicate scientific concepts and project progress clearly, objectively, and data-driven across different settings and audiences.
• Manage laboratory resources flexibly and effectively as priorities evolve.

Minimum requirements:

• Ph.D. in cancer biology, molecular biology biochemistry or a related field, with limited (up to 5 years) postdoctoral experience preferred.
• Evidenced productivity and proven ability to deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced, productive, and competitive scientific environment.
• Experience in drug discovery and project leadership in biotech or pharmaceutical settings is a plus.
• Experience with microscopy and imaging technologies is a plus.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills across a broad range of topics and adapted to variety of audiences.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop team members.
• Fluency in English, oral and written.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.