Job ID

REQ-10071301

Feb 11, 2026

Switzerland

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland
Full time, onsite, #LI-Onsite

At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. We use innovative science and technology to address some of society's most challenging healthcare issues. We discover and develop breakthrough treatments and find new ways to deliver them to as many people as possible. How can we continue to advance our science to help even more patients in need? We believe the answers are found when curious, courageous, and collaborative people are empowered to ask new questions, make bolder decisions, and take smarter risks.

At Biomedical Research in Basel, Switzerland, we are at the core of Novartis- purpose, designing and making new molecules for treating patients. We are looking for a highly motivated, passionate researcher with a strong scientific background in chemistry or related life science disciplines, a curious mind-set, and cultural agility to invent innovative medicines and advance the frontiers of drug discovery. Join us and help reimagine medicine!

About the Role

The Biomedical Research RNAi Initiative is seeking a passionate, creative scientist to join our RNA synthesis team. You will work highly collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment at the interface between research and development to discover and develop novel siRNA therapies for high unmet medical needs.

Your responsibilities

• Plan and execute small scale oligonucleotide syntheses by array-based, automated synthetic technologies
• Experiment in a first-class laboratory infrastructure and provide novel siRNAs to progress therapeutic siRNA projects
• Together with the project team, integrate experimental data to develop scientific hypotheses and prioritize novel oligonucleotide chemistries to address key project questions
• Support and coach other team members by sharing your know-how and experience across your work environment
• Discuss and communicate scientific results at internal meetings and research boards
• Responsibility to maintain high levels of laboratory safety and infrastructure

What you will bring to the role

• Masters educated with minimum 3 yrs + industry Pharma Lab experience with a focus on synthetic organic chemistry. PhD graduates within 6 months of their defence may be considered. Please note that this role will comprise a significant percentage of wetlab activities and will not have team management responsibilities.
• Practical knowledge in small scale oligonucleotide synthesis is required
• Knowledge in conjugation to linkers, modifiers, payloads is considered a plus
• Passion for automated oligonucleotide chemistry experimentation in the laboratory
• Ability to critically interpret results, build new experimental hypotheses, and take calculated risks and smart decisions
• Interest in disruptive technologies and science trends, such as new drug modalities and automation, and their application to drug discovery and development
• A mindset of curiosity, creativity, collaboration and openness to diverse thinking, with an enthusiasm to develop yourself and others
• An organized working style, eye for detail, flexibility and commitment to high quality
• Aptitude to work in a fast-paced team-oriented matrix environment. To collaborate within a highly dynamic team, discuss science and contribute to siRNA discovery and development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

*Restrictions on flexible working requirements may apply and can be discussed at interview stages as necessary

Accessibility and accommodation:
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

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)

Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

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

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

Research & Development Biomedical Research Switzerland

Job ID

REQ-10071301

Senior Scientist - Small Scale Oligonucleotide Synthesis (80-100%*)

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