Research Scientist – Synthetic Organic/Medicinal Chemistry (80-100%*) Full-time

Research Scientist Level Chemist

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Full time, onsite

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. In 2020, we reached >800 million patients with our products. 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. In Global Discovery Chemistry (GDC) at Novartis Biomedical Research in Basel, Switzerland, we are at the core of Novartis' purpose, designing and making new molecules for treating patients. We are looking for a highly motivated, passionate Research Scientist level Chemist with a background in Synthetic/Organic chemistry, a curious mindset and cultural agility to invent innovative medicines and help advance the frontiers of drug discovery. Join us and help reimagine medicine!

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Plan and execute chemical syntheses of novel drug molecules (both LMW and bRo5) aided by in-silico tools and facilitated by state-of-the-art synthetic methodologies and technologies (automation, miniaturization). Initial focus will be on peptide-based vectors.
• The successful candidate will independently design and perform chemical syntheses of targeting vectors and conjugates, collaborating effectively within a dynamic team and following project protocols established by the program team.
• Experiment in a first-class laboratory infrastructure and evaluate and deploy novel synthetic technologies to progress projects.
• Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary project team and integrate experimental data to develop scientific hypotheses and prioritize novel molecules for synthesis to answer key project questions.
• Collect appropriate characterization data (MS, HPLC, UPLC/MS) of reaction products and accurately document data in electronic laboratory journals and databases.
• Discuss and communicate scientific results at project/group meetings.
• Take over responsibilities to maintain the highest levels of laboratory safety and infrastructure.

Minimum requirements:

• Degree from a University or Fachhochschule (BSc, MSc or Diplom) with a strong focus on synthetic organic chemistry, or education as Lab Technician / Chemielaborant (or equivalent apprenticeship) with significant further chemistry training.
• A strong passion for hands-on experimentation in the laboratory with the ability to critically interpret results, build new experimental hypotheses, and take calculated risks and smart decisions.
• Prior knowledge of non-classical therapeutic modalities (e.g. peptides) is considered a plus.
• Profound knowledge of standard IT applications (e.g. E-Notebook, ChemDraw, MNOVA, software-controlled lab equipment).
• A mind-set of curiosity, creativity, collaboration and openness to diverse thinking, with an enthusiasm to develop yourself also beyond your current comfort zones, along with having excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A desire to collaborate with a highly dynamic team, discuss science and contribute to the next generation of drug molecules.
• An organized working style, eye for detail, flexibility and commitment to high quality.

*Restrictions on flexible working arrangements may apply and will be discussed at interview if 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 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.