Principal Scientist / Principal Scientistess

Job ID

REQ-10077885

Date

Jun 12, 2026

Location

Switzerland

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and experienced biology expert to join our Lead Identification and Optimization (LIDO) team at our research site in Basel, Switzerland. As a member of our LIDO team, you will accelerate drug discovery by generating high-quality data on compounds tested in cellular and biochemical profiling assays, collaborating closely with colleagues in global Discovery Sciences (DSc) and drug discovery project teams located in Cambridge, San Diego, and Basel.

About the Role

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II

Position Location: Onsite, Basel, CH #LI-Onsite

You are a self-motivated, curious, creative, and agile biologist and leader with strong experience in developing cellular and/or biochemical profiling assays to support the early drug discovery flowchart. You enjoy contributing to lab work and process improvement, as well as guiding and developing associates in our LIDO teams. Working in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, you aspire to positively impact drug discovery by advancing early hits into drug discovery development candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Adapt biochemical and/or cellular profiling assays into robust and standardized formats to support testing of newly synthesized compounds, with a focus on fast turnaround times for data delivery.
• Manage LIDO associates.
• Develop, document, and maintain SOPs for LIDO processes and quality control.
• Proactively identify and implement improvements to enhance lab processes, performance, and reliability.
• Coordinate and plan the execution of LIDO profiling assays with internal stakeholders.
• Present LIDO management activities in cross-functional meetings.

Essential Requirements

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, or equivalent qualifications with 5+ years of relevant experience, or BSc or MSc in a related field, with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in executing profiling assays in a low molecular weight (LMW) drug discovery organization.
• Strong expertise in either biochemical and/or cellular assay development in a drug discovery setting.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to operational excellence.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary global teams.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to shifting priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal English communication skills.

Note

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, due to a medical condition or disability, you require 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 reach out to us.

Why Novartis

Helping people affected by disease and their families requires more than just innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate individuals like you, collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other to achieve breakthroughs that can transform patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Learn more here.

Benefits and Rewards

Explore the various ways we will support your personal and professional growth. Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB).

Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Research

Company / Legal Entity

C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG

Functional Area

Research & Development

Job Type

Full time

Employment Type

Regular

Shift Work

No

Position Title

Principal Scientist, Assay Profiling - Lead Identification and Optimization (80-100%)*