About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Senior Principal Scientist focused on leading preclinical research for cancer treatments at Novartis. You'll design and manage in vivo studies, collaborate with global teams, and mentor other scientists. It's a hands-on, leadership position that combines scientific expertise with strategic influence.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have a PhD in a relevant field and at least three years of experience in biomedical research, particularly in cancer biology. A proactive, collaborative working style and strong communication skills are essential.

Worth noting

The position is based in Basel, Switzerland, and does not offer relocation support, so applicants must be local. There's a strong emphasis on mentoring and leadership, which may appeal to those looking to advance their careers in a scientific leadership role.

Salary Range:

CHF122,500.00 - CHF227,500.00

Job Description Summary

Job Title: Senior Principal Scientist/Principal Scientist I/II, Oncology (RLT)
#LI-Onsite
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Relocation Support: This role is based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Shape the future of cancer treatment by driving innovative radioligand therapies from discovery to clinic. As a scientific leader within our Oncology Drug Discovery team in Basel, you will lead cutting-edge preclinical research, designing impactful in vivo studies and collaborating across global, multidisciplinary teams to unlock the potential of next-generation cancer treatments. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine scientific excellence with leadership—mentoring talent, influencing strategy, and translating complex data into meaningful insights that accelerate life-changing therapies for patients worldwide.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Design and lead in vivo studies supporting preclinical evaluation of radioligand therapies
Drive efficacy, biodistribution, imaging, and mechanism of action studies across oncology programs
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance drug candidates toward clinical development
Manage external partnerships with contract research organizations and academic collaborators
Mentor, guide, and develop scientists to strengthen scientific and professional capabilities
Present data and insights clearly to influence decisions across global research and development teams

Essential Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology, Cell Biology, or a related biomedical discipline
Minimum three years of additional experience in biomedical research within academia or industry
Strong background in cancer biology with a proven track record of scientific achievement
Extensive experience designing and managing in vivo oncology studies, including efficacy and pharmacokinetic assessment
Expertise in ex vivo analysis methods such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, or RNA sequencing
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary and global research teams
Excellent communication and presentation skills in English, both written and verbal
Self-motivated, proactive, and able to independently drive scientific projects forward

Desirable Requirements

Experience in radioligand therapy development or radiobiology
Strong understanding of drug development within oncology or related therapeutic areas

This is a dual level posting. The final level and title for this position will be determined following the completion of the candidate evaluation process, based on skills, experience, and organizational needs

Switzerland 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 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 message.

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Curious Mindset, Data, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Ethics, Gene Therapy- Leadership, Influence, Laboratory, Lifesciences, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Mentorship {+ 11 more}

Aplyr's read

Novartis is a Swiss-based global healthcare leader, known for its focus on innovative medicines and commitment to addressing patient needs through diverse roles.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Novartis invests heavily in research and development, driving innovation in pharmaceuticals.
•The company offers a wide range of global career opportunities across various fields.
•Strong focus on cutting-edge therapies, including gene therapy and AI-driven solutions.

What to watch

•Regulatory challenges can impact the speed of drug approval and market entry.
•High competition in the pharmaceutical industry requires constant innovation to maintain market position.
•Complex organizational structure may slow decision-making processes.

Why Novartis

•Novartis has a robust pipeline of innovative medicines, setting it apart in the healthcare sector.
•The company emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workplace culture across its global operations.
•Novartis is a leader in digital transformation within pharmaceuticals, integrating AI and data science.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Novartis

Novartis

novartis.com

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Novartis is a global healthcare company based in Switzerland that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide. It focuses on innovative medicines, generics, and eye care.