Senior Principal Scientist – siRNA ChemistryJob ID REQ-10050374May 22, 2025SummaryJob Description SummaryLocation: Basel, SwitzerlandFull time, onsite, #LI-onsite6000! That’s the number of associates in the Novartis BioMedical Research (BR). This division is the innovation engine of Novartis, focusing on powerful new technologies that have the potential to help produce therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.At Novartis we are reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. We use innovative science and technology to address some of society's most challenging healthcare issues. We discover and develop breakthrough treatments and find new ways to deliver them to as many people as possible. How can we continue to advance our science to help patients in need? We believe the answers are found when curious, courageous, and collaborative people are empowered to ask new questions, make bolder decisions, and take smarter risks.Global Discovery Chemistry is seeking a passionate, creative PhD level medicinal chemist to complement our nucleotide and siRNA chemistry team in Basel. You will work highly collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment at the interface between research and development to discover and develop novel siRNA therapies for high unmet medical needs.Please note that we have the option to hire someone at a Principal Scientist level if this role level is a better match to the experience and skill set of the applicant.About the RoleYour responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:Work highly collaboratively in a multidisciplinary project team to discover and develop novel oligonucleotide therapies across various disease areas.Lead a team of scientists dedicated to design and synthesize new nucleotide building blocks, linkers, backbones from small to medium scaleIntellectually contribute to and own the success of assigned projects. Together with project teams, contribute experimentally and intellectually to conceive, implement and explore innovative siRNA chemistries to address key scientific questions and ensure their smooth transition to developmentLead siRNA drug discovery projects in partnership with leaders from other functionsReview and critically analyse data from projects using state-of-the-art data analysis and digital tools, to identify complex problems, develop scientific hypotheses, and design molecules.Drive innovation for the establishment of new projects, including the development of exploratory projects portfolio, innovative drug discovery solutions, and evaluation of new technologies in the RNA therapeutics space. This also involves collaborating with internal and external partners around the world to progress our projects.Document and communicate results and scientific findings to internal and external audiences, in patent filings or scientific publications as appropriateSupport and develop team members by sharing your know-how and hands-on experience across your work environmentProvide mentoring to scientists and lead through coaching and development of scientists, independent of reporting line and/or group affiliation, to increase their impact on projects.What you will bring to the role:A PhD degree with a focus on synthesis and design of oligonucleotides.Demonstrated practical knowledge in medicinal chemistry with focus on oligo/nucleotides for 8+ years with a track record of deliverables. Experience in solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis is considered a plusA track record of people leadership and development skillsA mind-set of curiosity and openness to diverse thinking, with an enthusiasm to develop yourself and othersInnovative and independent problem-solving skillsInterest in disruptive technologies and science trends, such as data science and automation/miniaturization, and their application to drug discoveryAptitude to work in a fast-paced team-oriented matrix environmentExcellent written and verbal communication and strong influencing skills, with an ability to present and discuss project strategies and challengesWhy Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-cultureCommitment 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.Accessibility and accommodationNovartis 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 diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your messageJoin our Novartis Network:If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/networkHelping 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-cultureJoin our Novartis Network:Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/networkWhy 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-cultureJoin our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/networkNovartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.
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