Industrial Postdoc: Biocatalysis & Protein Engineering

Novartis AG; Basel; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking an Industrial Postdoc in Global Discovery Chemistry (Genesis Labs) to design and develop transformative biocatalysis and protein engineering platforms. You will work at the interface of research and development, contribute to strategy, and influence portfolio programs.

You will engage in enzyme discovery, automated screening, and scalable synthetic solutions, while collaborating with experts across multiple disciplines and publishing findings where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Completed PhD at the interface of Chemistry and Biology with a focus on biocatalysis, synthetic biology, enzyme engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in development of peptide- or protein-modifying enzymatic transformations.
• Strong track record of original research and ability to develop innovative (bio)catalytic transformations.
• Scientific curiosity and teamwork to work across multiple disciplines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Proficiency in English, both oral and written.
• Post-doctoral experience is advantageous but not required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative technology platforms in biocatalysis and protein engineering as part of the Genesis flagship program, advancing Novartis' discovery capabilities at speed.
• Conduct enzyme discovery and engineering campaigns using computational tools and high-throughput screening to identify novel biocatalysts for pharmaceutical synthesis.
• Develop novel biocatalytic synthetic solutions enabling scalable preparation of drug candidates across modalities from discovery to supply.
• Gain exposure to peptide chemistry and display technologies to broaden biocatalytic solutions.
• Apply automation platforms for high-throughput screening, data-rich experiments, and rapid iteration across campaigns.
• Contribute to defining scientific strategy for Genesis program projects and shape platform direction.
• Collaborate with experts across Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Process Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Analytical Chemistry; with external partners.
• Communicate findings internally, contribute to patents, and make complex science accessible.

Skills

Biocatalysis

Protein engineering

Synthetic biology

Enzyme engineering

High-throughput screening

Computational tools

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Biology interface

Tools

Display technologies

Job description

Novartis is seeking an Industrial Postdoc in Global Discovery Chemistry (Genesis Labs) to design and develop transformative biocatalysis and protein engineering platforms. You will work at the interface of research and development, contribute to strategy, and influence portfolio programs.

You will engage in enzyme discovery, automated screening, and scalable synthetic solutions, while collaborating with experts across multiple disciplines and publishing findings where appropriate.