Postgraduate Program Biologics

Novartis AG; Basel; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis AG in Basel offers a 2-year rotational program in Technical Research and Development (TRD) Biologics. You'll rotate through Drug Product Development, Drug Substance Development, Global Device & Packaging Development, and Analytical Development, gaining hands-on experience across multiple biologics domains.

The program emphasizes contributing to real projects, collaboration with expert teams, and development of practical skills in lab and office settings to support biologics development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent required in chemistry, biology, or engineering.
• Fluent in English; strong communication skills with cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on lab experience with autonomous project handling.
• Basic understanding of pharmaceutical development and container closure systems.
• Familiarity with protein production, analytical methods, and bioanalytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to TRD-biologics lab-based (80%) and office-based (20%) projects.
• Conduct experiments and generate data for TRD-biologics.
• Document and present results from project activities to teams.
• Collaborate with internal and external development partners and stakeholders.
• Develop understanding of how TRD-Biologics units operate together.

Skills

Lab work experience

Programming in Python or R

Molecular biology techniques

Analytical methods

Cloning methods / PCR / CRISPR

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Python

R

PCR

CRISPR

Job description

Summary

Are you a recent Master’s graduate in chemistry, biology, or engineering with a passion for cutting-edge biologics? Join our 2-year rotational program in Technical Research and Development (TRD) Biologics and gain hands-on experience across Drug Product Development, Drug Substance Development, Global Device & Packaging Development and Analytical Development.

About the Role

During each 6-month rotation, you’ll be embedded in expert teams, contributing to real projects:

Examples of Past and Current Projects:

• Development of a new bioassay to detect host cell proteins in biologics
• Evaluation of new packaging modalities (e.g., pre-filled syringes, cartridges)
• Biophysical characterization of biologic drug products to support stability predictions

• Assessment of surfactants for silicon oil depletion in pre-filled syringes
• Development of Raman spectroscopy-based models using Python for real-time impurity monitoring

Location: Basel, Switzerland,#LI-On-Site

This Postgraduate program is limited to 2 years, with the start date in April 2027.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland .

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to lab-based (80 %) and office-based (20 %) TRD-biologics projects
• Conduct experiments and generate data on TRD-biologics projects
• Document and present results related to projects activities
• Collaborate with internal and external development partners and stakeholders
• Acquire an understanding of the TRD-Biologics organizations and how the different units within work together

Essential Requirements:

• Education: Master’s degree or equivalent (PhDs will not be considered).
• Languages: Fluent in English
• Work Style & Adaptability: Independent, fast learner, and easily adaptable to new environments.
• Lab & Scientific Expertise: Hands-on lab experience with autonomous project handling.
• Pharma & Technical Knowledge: Basic understanding of pharmaceutical development, including container closure systems.
• Specialized Skills: Familiarity with one or more areas such as protein production, analytical (HDPB, RPC, SEC, particle analysis) and bioanalytical methods (ELISA, cell-based assays, flow cytometry), molecular biology (cloning methods, PCR, viral vector, CRISPR), or programming/data modeling (e.g., Python, R).

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

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

Our recruitment decisions are based on selecting the best person for the job, regardless of gender, religion, age, color, race, sexual orientation, nationality or disability.

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 E-Mail schreiben, and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Application deadline: November 14 EOB.

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.
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