Principal Scientist – Medicinal Chemist (80-100%*) Full-time

Researcher, Global Discovery Chemistry

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 even more 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. The Global Discovery Chemistry (GDC) of the Novartis BioMedical Research (BR) department in Basel, Switzerland, is at the core of Novartis' purpose. We are looking for a highly motivated, passionate researcher with a strong scientific background in chemistry or related life science discipline, a curious mind-set, and agility to invent innovative medicines and advance the frontiers of drug discovery. Join us and help reimagine medicine!

Your responsibilities will include:

• Work highly collaboratively in a multidisciplinary project team to discover and develop novel therapies across various disease areas
• Design molecules addressing key project scientific questions aided by the use of cutting-edge computational tools; analyze and integrate complex data generating new design concepts and contributing to define Medicinal Chemistry project strategy
• Synthesize novel derivatives using complex multi-step synthesis and/or parallel automated synthesis
• Experiment in a first class laboratory infrastructure, deploy novel technologies, and collaborate with internal and external partners around the world to progress our projects
• Mentor, coach, and develop a dynamic team of scientific associates
• Discuss and communicate scientific results at project/group meetings, decision boards, and external conferences
• Contribute to patent inventorship and scientific publications
• In addition to pipeline project responsibilities, participate in global initiatives shaping the future of drug discovery at BR

What you will bring to the role:

• A PhD in chemistry or related life science discipline with excellent theoretical and practical experience in e.g. synthetic organic chemistry, drug discovery, chemical biology
• Demonstrated track-record of initiating, leading, or being a key contributor to cutting edge research in chemistry or life sciences
• A mind-set of curiosity, creativity, collaboration and openness to diverse thinking, with an enthusiasm to develop yourself and others
• Ability to critically interpret results, build new experimental hypotheses, and take calculated risks and smart decisions
• Passion for small molecule as well as bRo5 chemical space design; hands-on chemistry experimentation in the laboratory
• Interest in disruptive technologies and science trends, such as data science and automation/miniaturization, and their application to drug discovery
• Aptitude to work in a fast-paced team-oriented matrix environment
• Excellent oral and written communication and strong influencing skills
• Up to 5 years' experience in Medicinal Chemistry or drug discovery, in industry or academia, preferred but not 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.