Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Functional Genomics

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Functional Genomics

We are excited to announce openings for the Discovery Fellowship within the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Join Novartis Biomedical Research as a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow in our Oncology Drug Discovery (ODD) group in Basel, Switzerland.

You will work on a project focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating lineage-specific transcription factors and their oncogenic functions. Techniques such as gene editing and functional genomics will be employed to explore structure-function relationships of oncogenes, their regulation of transcription, response to external stimuli, and mechanisms of resistance to pharmacological treatments.

As part of the Discovery Fellowship, you will join a vibrant community of postdoctoral researchers, participating in seminars and networking events. The program offers opportunities for professional growth, including a Postdoc Practicum in another lab or business function of Novartis. The fellowship lasts up to 3 years, with the possibility of a 1-year extension.

Discovery Fellows are encouraged to conduct innovative research, publish in leading journals, and collaborate across disciplines to develop therapeutic breakthroughs.

This program aims to build your skills as a drug hunter and scientific leader, supporting your growth through a professional network dedicated to advancing medicine.

Preferred start date: October 1, 2025

Key responsibilities

• Work independently and with teams, maintaining organized records and participating in lab activities.
• Design, execute, analyze, and evaluate experiments using various in vitro and ex vivo assays.
• Review scientific literature, adopt new technologies, and present findings internally and externally.
• Present at meetings, conferences, and publish in top-tier journals.

Role Requirements

• PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, or related fields.
• Applicants in their final year of PhD or within 2 years of degree (awarded May 2023 or later).
• Knowledge of gene regulation, chromatin, and transcription factors in cancer.
• Experience with molecular biology tools, gene editing (e.g., knock-in/out, base editing), and genomics techniques (e.g., ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq).
• Experience with large-scale functional genomics screens (e.g., CRISPR, Perturb-seq).
• Bioinformatics skills are a plus.
• Strong publication record or notable scientific achievements.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Passion for exploratory research and curiosity.

How to apply

Please submit your CV (including contact details for three referees) and cover letter by July 15, 2025. Discuss how this training will help achieve your career goals in your cover letter.