Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, cAMP Biology

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guidance from leaders

Access to advanced technologies

Global scientific community

Job summary

Novartis invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in Cambridge, MA, joining the Discovery Sciences team to pursue an innovative project at the forefront of biomedical science and drug discovery. This full-time fellowship runs up to three years and emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and hands-on training.

The role focuses on GPCR and cAMP signaling, leveraging cellular tools, human genetics, genomics, chemical biology and pharmacology to uncover mechanisms.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) completed prior to the fellowship start date (PhD conferred in 2026 only).
• Demonstrated record of scientific achievement (publications, presentations, patents, or equivalent).
• Strong commitment to learning, innovation, fundamental exploratory research and professional development.
• Basics in cell culture, genetics, developmental biology, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation and organizational skills.
• Boundless curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Shape your postdoc project by dedicating your efforts to multiple possible key scientific questions.
• Combine diverse available tools to consolidate your research strategy (in vitro assays, pharmacological tools, genetic studies, animal models).
• Design, implement and advance scientific experiments to uncover novel mechanisms underlying cAMP-dependent signaling.
• Unravel the interaction of GPCRs with less characterized cAMP pathway nodes and understand mode of action.
• Increase understanding of novel pharmacological target classes either by in depth characterization of single members of questioned pathways or by gaining insights in unexplored general interaction specificities.
• Work independently as well as with interdisciplinary teams and interact with diverse teams covering a broad spectrum of expertise.

Skills

Cell culture

Genetics

Developmental biology

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Analytical skills

Communication

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Curiosity

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Job description

Summary

We are excited to invite applications for the Novartis Biomedical Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, a unique training opportunity designed for exceptional early-career scientists eager to tackle some of the most challenging problems in biomedical research and drug discovery.

About The Role

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will join Discovery Sciences team in Cambridge and pursue an innovative research project at the forefront of biomedical science and drug discovery. You will work alongside leading scientists in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while gaining exposure to the broader ecosystem that translates scientific discovery into medicines.

Internal Job Title: Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Location: Cambridge, MA (Onsite)

• Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Please only apply if you are currently authorized to work in the US for the 3 year duration of the program.
• This is a full-time training position of up to three years in duration.

Research Opportunity

Within your position you will investigate GPCR and cAMP signaling pathways in a multidisciplinary team. GPCR proteins are confirmed key drug targets playing an important role in cAMP linked downstream physiological effects. To gain mechanistic insights into cAMP signaling, you will explore key nodes in these various pathways and their intersections using cellular tools, human genetics, genomics, chemical biology, pharmacology and more.

Why Join the Program?

The Novartis Biomedical Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is designed to develop the next generation of scientific leaders and power the future of medicine through rigorous research, and immersive learning experiences, including the implementation of AI tools in biomedical research.

Postdoctoral Research Fellows Benefit From

• Guidance from accomplished scientific leaders and subject matter experts
• Access to advanced technologies, platforms, and research capabilities
• Collaboration across disciplines and organizational boundaries
• A global and diverse community of postdoctoral fellows
• Dedicated programming designed to help fellows thrive throughout their careers.
• Personalized experiential learning opportunities through a Postdoc Practicum that empowers fellows to explore new scientific domains, build cross-functional expertise, and expand their impact beyond their primary research project.
• Opportunities to present research, publish in leading journals and build an international scientific network.

We are entering a new era of biomedical research breakthroughs through the convergence of biology, technology, and artificial intelligence tools, and fellows are also supported in engaging with these emerging approaches.

This is a full-time training position of up to three years in duration.

Reimagining Medicine Together

At Novartis, our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. Through this program, you will grow as a scientist and future leader while contributing to discoveries that may ultimately benefit patients worldwide.

Start Date

The start date for the 2026 Novartis BR Postdoctoral Fellowship Program cohort is October, 2026. Please confirm your availability to meet this date in your cover letter.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape your postdoc project by dedicating your efforts to multiple possible key scientific questions.
• Combine diverse available tools to consolidate your research strategy (in vitro assays, pharmacological tools, genetic studies, animal models).
• Design, implement and advance scientific experiments to uncover novel mechanisms underlying cAMP-dependent signaling.
• Unravel the interaction of GPCRs with less characterized cAMP pathway nodes and understand mode of action.
• Increase understanding of novel pharmacological target classes either by in depth characterization of single members of questioned pathways or by gaining insights in unexplored general interaction specificities.
• Work independently as well as with interdisciplinary teams and interact with diverse teams covering a broad spectrum of expertise.

Essential Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in a relevant scientific discipline completed prior to the fellowship start date. The program is intended for scientists immediately following their PhD training (PhD conferred in 2026 only).
• Demonstrated record of scientific achievement (publications, presentations, patents, or equivalent)
• Strong commitment to learning, innovation, fundamental exploratory research and professional development
• Basics in cell culture, genetics, developmental biology, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation and organizational skills.
• Boundless curiosity

Desirable Requirements

• Imaging techniques, knowledge in signaling assays, as well as genomics/proteomics analysis workflows would be a plus

Compensation & Benefits

The starting salary for this position is 87,000 USD per year.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

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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