Research Scientist II, Immunology

Summary

Location: Basel
Onsite
This role is not offering relocation. Please apply only if the location is accessible to you.
#LI-Onsite

We are working on innovative medicines to treat autoinflammatory and systemic autoimmune diseases, aiming to make a meaningful difference for patients. Here, you can apply your scientific skills and curiosity within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, with your work helping generate important insights that lead to new, life-changing therapies.

The position in the Adaptive Immunity Lab is embedded within the Immunology Research Disease Area and will focus on translational aspects and project support for B cell-driven autoimmune diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis). The role encompasses the design and execution of preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, including complex flow cytometry-based analyses, to advance the mechanistic understanding of immune cell engager therapies. In addition, the position will contribute to the development of translational biomarker strategies to support clinical development. To lead research activities, we are seeking a scientist with a strong background in mechanistic translational research and immunology.

If you are passionate about human disease biology and compound mode of action at the interface of preclinical and clinical research, we want you on our team.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to drug discovery and exploratory projects aiming at discovering new ways to modulate the immune system for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
• Collaborate with quantitative scientists to design hypothesis-driven experiments and integrate experimental and biomarker data into models of autoimmune disease biology and therapeutic response.
• Design and conduct mechanistic experiments hands-on, utilizing human biosamples (such as blood/serum, PBMC, tissue biopsies) to generate translational data that inform project decisions, validate innovative concepts, elucidate mechanisms of action, and develop biomarker strategies.
• Plan and implement in vitro and ex vivo assays - including complex flow cytometry, cellular profiling, mechanistic cellular analyses, and examination of ex vivo samples derived from in vivo studies.
• Perform thorough analysis and interpretation of experimental results, critically evaluating whether hypotheses have been adequately tested, resolving any technical challenges, and determining subsequent experimental steps.
• Drive the development of novel hypotheses by integrating both internal and external scientific insights, proactively address research obstacles, and design strategic approaches to test these initial hypotheses.
• Work collaboratively as an integral part of cross-functional project teams, provide organized experiment record tracking and data analysis and be an active member of lab and project teams.
• Independently search for information in scientific and technical literature, establish new technologies in the lab and present your data within the team.
• Drive a culture of collaboration, talent development and integrity.

Minimum Requirements

• MSc degree in Immunology, Biology, Molecular Medicine or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant research expertise in an interdisciplinary setting in academia or industry, bridging clinical and preclinical evidence
• Hands-on mastery of routine immunological/ cell biology/ molecular biology assays and in vitro human models relevant to autoinflammatory and systemic autoimmune diseases (such as primary cells, cell lines, flow cytometry, qPCR etc.)
• Experienced in collaboration with data scientists, ensuring high quality experimental design and reproducibility.
• Proven track record of completing projects on schedule in view of narrow timelines
• Strong interest in working in a creative environment where you demonstrate proactiveness, a flexible attitude and scientific curiosity

Additional Requirements

• Experience contributing to drug discovery programs in biotech/pharma or translational academic/clinical setting (e.g. in vitro pharmacology, biomarker studies) is a plus.
• Data Science literacy and confidence in interpreting multi‑omic outputs and statistical analyses is an additional asset.

Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

• Switzerland:  65,870.00 - 122,330.00 CHF Annual

The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. 

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process. 

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our to learn more about our global total rewards offering: 

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO paragraph:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

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? 

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?

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)