Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist, Cryo-EM Structural Biology

C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG; Basel; On-site; CHF 94,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible and hybrid working options

Minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave

Job summary

Novartis Pharma AG in Basel, Switzerland is seeking a Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist, Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) Structural Biology to join the Protein Sciences group. You will apply cutting-edge Cryo-EM to challenging targets across early drug discovery and translate molecular insights into actionable science.

Responsibilities include preparing biological samples, data collection, structure determination, and mentoring colleagues, with opportunities to present findings and

Qualifications

• PhD with at least five years of research experience.
• Deep Cryo-EM expertise including sample prep, data collection, and model building.
• Hands-on experience operating high-end cryo-EM microscopes.
• Experience in protein expression and purification.
• Excellent English communication and presentation skills.
• Collaborative mindset in multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to early drug-discovery projects in multidisciplinary teams.
• Prepare biological samples for Cryo-EM and perform data collection and model building.
• Apply Cryo-EM methods to generate structural insights for drug discovery.
• Mentor and train laboratory staff within a matrix environment.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and instrument logs.
• Present and publish structural biology findings internally and externally.

Skills

Cryo-EM

Single-particle analysis

Structure interpretation

Protein expression

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Cryo-EM equipment

Electron microscopes

Job description

Salary Range: CHF93,800.00 - CHF174,200.00

Job Description Summary

Role Type: Onsite Working, #LI-Onsite

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Relocation Support: This role is based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

What if your expertise in structural biology could reveal the molecular insights that unlock the next generation of medicines? As Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist, Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) Structural Biology, you will join the Protein Sciences group within Discovery Sciences, applying cutting-edge Cryo-EM to challenging targets across early drug discovery. Working with scientists across Biomedical Research, you will prepare biological samples, generate and interpret high-quality structural data, and translate molecular insights into actionable science that supports the discovery of novel therapeutic candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute experimentally and scientifically to early drug-discovery projects within multidisciplinary teams.
• Prepare biological samples for Cryo-EM, including data collection, processing, structural determination, and model building.
• Apply current Cryo-EM technologies and methodologies to generate high-quality structural insights for drug discovery.
• Collaborate closely with laboratory associates, providing mentoring and technical training within a matrix environment.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, scientific documentation, and instrument logs to support data quality and reproducibility.
• Communicate structural biology findings through internal and external presentations and scientific publications.

Essential Requirements

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline with at least five years of research experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Deep expertise in Cryo-EM, including sample preparation, single-particle analysis, structure determination, model building, and structural interpretation.
• Hands-on experience operating high-end cryo-transmission electron microscopes.
• Demonstrated experience in the expression and purification of a range of protein targets.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong scientific communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to working within multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing experimental and data-processing workflows for single-particle analysis and cryo-electron tomography.
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence-based and computational tools for protein construct design and optimization.
• Experience characterizing protein-ligand interactions.
• Hands-on experience with single-particle analysis, cryo-electron tomography, and dual-beam scanning electron microscopy.

Why Novartis

At Novartis, you will join a collaborative Protein Sciences team applying complementary technologies, including biophysics, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and Cryo-Electron Microscopy, to advance target-based drug discovery and novel therapeutic candidates.

Benefits & Rewards

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 93,800.00 - 174,200.00 CHF. The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives.

• Insurance plans
• Retirement plans
• Wellbeing resources
• Global recognition programs
• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible
• Minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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

Skills Desired

• Analytical Chemistry
• Analytical Laboratory Equipment
• Analytical Thinking
• Chemical Analysis
• Chemistry
• Data Capturing
• Data Science
• Digital Workflows
• Employee Development
• Employee Performance Management
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Laboratory Automation
• Life Sciences R&D
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Physicochemical Characterization
• Python (Programming Language)
• Scientific Publications
• Spectrometry
• Spectroscopy
• Therapeutic Modalities

Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives.