Job ID

REQ-10068737

Dec 17, 2025

Switzerland

Summary

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

Join our xRNA Team in Biomedical Research in Basel and help shape the future of RNA therapeutics. We are developing the next-generation siRNA medicines with the ambition to transform the lives of patients with unmet medical needs. This is an opportunity to bring your scientific talent and curiosity into a highly collaborative, innovation-driven environment where your work will directly impact the discovery and development of breakthrough therapies.

We are looking for a lab-based Senior Scientist who thrives in high-energy teams, loves solving challenging problems, and has a strong background in biological research and RNA biochemistry. If you-re passionate about developing and optimizing methods, workflows, and best practices that advance siRNA discovery, we want you on our team.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design, plan and execute siRNA screening experiments using mammalian and primary cell culture, including cell-based transfection assays, qPCR and reporter-based readouts.
• Develop, optimize and validate novel biochemical and cell-based assays to support siRNA discovery and optimization.
• Contribute to automated workflows using liquid-handling robotics platforms (e.g. for assay miniaturization, screening and sample preparation).
• Drive continuous improvement in lab organization, workflows, equipment implementation and adoption of new technologies.
• Collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team in a matrix environment, and present data and conclusions clearly in both verbal and written form.
• Maintain high-quality records in electronic lab notebooks; analyze, interpret, and report results in a timely manner.

Minimum Requirements

• MS or a Bachelors/scientific apprenticeship with at least 5+ years of industry experience or recent graduate PhD with 0-1 years of industry experience in biochemistry, cell biology or related fields.
• Ideally a minimum of 3-5 years of laboratory research experience in a pharma and/or biotech industry setting.

• Strong hands-on experience in cell and molecular biology techniques, including:

  • Mammalian and primary cell culture
  • mRNA and protein isolation, characterization and quantification (e.g. familiarity and working knowledge of likes of qPCR, CLIP , IP (Immuno Precipitation), ELISA, Western blot)
  • next-generation sequencing workflows (e.g. NGS library preparation)
• Experience with liquid-handling systems and automation of cell-based assays or a strong interest in developing such is a plus.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and refine assays to improve sensitivity, robustness, reproducibility and throughput.
• Strong competence in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Teams), electronic lab notebooks, and data analysis software (e.g. GraphPad Prism, Spotfire).
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented research environment.

Desirable Requirements

• Familiarity with primary cell culture models (e.g. primary human or rodent cells).
• Exposure to bioinformatics and coding (e.g. R and/or Python) for data processing, visualization and analysis.
• Experience with specific automation platforms (e.g. BioMek, Opentrons) is a strong plus.

Additional Information

*Restrictions on flexible working may apply and are discretionary; these can be discussed during the interview process, where applicable.

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 if you would like 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: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we-ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

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-10068737

Senior Scientist - xRNA /sIRNA Discovery (80-100%*)

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