Senior Scientist - xRNA​/sIRNA Discovery

Job Description Summary

Location:

Basel, Switzerland

Full time, onsite, #LI-onsite

Join our xRNA Team in Biomedical Research in Basel and help shape the future of RNA therapeutics. We are developing the next-generation siRNA medicines with the ambition to transform the lives of patients with unmet medical needs. This is an opportunity to bring your scientific talent and curiosity into a highly collaborative, innovation-driven environment where your work will directly impact the discovery and development of breakthrough therapies.

We are looking for a lab-based Senior Scientist who thrives in high-energy teams, loves solving challenging problems, and has a strong background in biological research and RNA biochemistry. If you’re passionate about developing and optimizing methods, workflows, and best practices that advance siRNA discovery, we want you on our team.

Please note that we are unable to provide relocation support for this position.

• Independently design, plan and execute siRNA screening experiments using mammalian and primary cell culture, including cell-based transfection assays, qPCR and reporter-based readouts.
• Develop, optimize and validate novel biochemical and cell-based assays to support siRNA discovery and optimization.
• Contribute to automated workflows using liquid-handling robotics platforms (e.g. for assay miniaturization, screening and sample preparation).
• Drive continuous improvement in lab organization, workflows, equipment implementation and adoption of new technologies.
• Collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team in a matrix environment, and present data and conclusions clearly in both verbal and written form.
• Maintain high-quality records in electronic lab notebooks; analyze, interpret, and report results in a timely manner.

• MS or a Bachelors/scientific apprenticeship with at least 5+ years of industry experience or recent graduate PhD with 0-1 years of industry experience in biochemistry, cell biology or related fields.
• Ideally a minimum of 3-5 years of laboratory research experience in a pharma and/or biotech industry setting.
• Strong hands‑on experience in cell and molecular biology techniques, including:
  • Mammalian and primary cell culture
  • mRNA and protein isolation, characterization and quantification (e.g. familiarity and working knowledge of qPCR, CLIP, IP, ELISA, Western blot)
  • next‑generation sequencing workflows (e.g. NGS library preparation)
• Experience with liquid‑handling systems and automation of cell‑based assays or a strong interest in developing such is a plus.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and refine assays to improve sensitivity, robustness, reproducibility and throughput.
• Strong competence in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Teams), electronic lab notebooks, and data analysis software (e.g. Graph Pad Prism, Spotfire).
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and thrive in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented research environment.

• Familiarity with primary cell culture models (e.g. primary human or rodent cells).
• Exposure to bioinformatics and coding (e.g. R and/or Python) for data processing, visualization and analysis.
• Experience with specific automation platforms (e.g. Bio Mek, Opentrons) is a strong plus.

Restrictions on flexible working may apply and are discretionary; these can be discussed during the interview process, where applicable.

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 if you would like more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e‑mail to inclu and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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