Principal Scientist I - siRNA (80-100%*)

Principal Scientist I - siRNA (80-100%*)

Job ID REQ-10043484

May 13, 2025

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Fulltime, onsite, #LIonsite

We are seeking a highly motivated and curious Principal Scientist whose focus will be on siRNA discovery in the xRNA Team within Biomedical Research based in Basel. The team develops next-generation xRNA therapeutics in a collaborative and innovation driven environment, aiming to transform the lives of millions of patients with unmet medical needs. The successful candidate will have strong experience in siRNA biology and/or therapeutics and will have a key role in driving the development of the xRNA platform and mentoring Lab team members.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead matrix-oriented platform teams for the development of siRNA therapeutics
• Experience with end-to-end NGS experiments including library preparation, sequencing, and analysis
• Drive innovation based on data mining form hypothesis generation to conduct studies in a collaborative environment across Biomedical Research
• Design, plan and supervise siRNA cell-based screening activities
• Perform novel assay development and optimization for cell-based assays with a focus on improving throughput with automation
• With supervision lead junior scientists in the lab and with data analysis
• Represent xRNA team on cross-functional project teams to advance siRNA programs through the development pipeline
• Document experiments in lab notebook, conduct data analysis, interpretation and present findings to team in a timely manner

Role Requirements:

• PhD in biochemistry or biology or related scientific discipline
• 3 - 5 years of post-PhD research experience gained in academia as a Postdoc and/or in industry
• Research experience in siRNA biology. Knowledge of siRNA therapeutics would be an advantage.
• Strong genomics background with expertise in RNA-Seq from experiment to data processing
• Able to run R scripts independently
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture from immortalized to primary cells
• Experience with cross functional teams and ability to serve as a point of contact for the team with minimal supervision
• Strong multi-tasking, organizational, attention to detail, verbal/written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate and thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Desired Requirements:

• Expertise with BioMek or Opentrons liquid handlers
• Proficient in R and/or Python. Machine Learning experience a plus.

*Restrictions on working flexibility may apply to this position and can be discussed at interview as required

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

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