Research Scientist II, Laboratory Automation & Drug Discovery Support

Salary Range:

CHF65,870.00 - CHF122,330.00

Job Description Summary

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

Approximately 50% of the role is dedicated to laboratory automation support and operational excellence across IMM, while approximately 50% is focused on hands-on assay development, screening, profiling, and experimental support of drug discovery projects.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary IMM contact for laboratory automation systems and liquid handling platforms.
• Ensure reliable operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of laboratory automation infrastructure.
• Provide rapid hands-on technical support and training to automation users across IMM.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and execute biochemical, cellular, and biophysical assays supporting drug discovery projects.
• Perform compound profiling and small- to medium-throughput screening campaigns using automated platforms.
• Analyze and communicate experimental results to project teams and stakeholders.
• Support assay automation, implementation, and transfer onto automated workflows.
• Collaborate closely with project teams to advance hit-to-lead and lead optimization activities.
• Maintain high scientific and operational standards, ensuring data quality and reproducibility.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory automation and liquid handling platforms.
• Practical experience in biochemical and/or cellular assay development and execution.
• Demonstrates a service-oriented mindset by responding constructively to urgent support requests, maintaining a positive attitude, and providing reliable assistance on automation platforms and devices.
• Provide strategic oversight of IMM laboratory automation infrastructure by anticipating future scientific requirements, maintaining state-of-the-art instrumentation and software, and developing long-term automation solutions that support departmental objectives.
• Understanding of drug discovery workflows and hit-to-lead activities. Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Ability to prioritize and support multiple users and projects simultaneously.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with biophysical assay technologies (SPR, Dianthus)
• Experience with screening and profiling software such as Genedata Screener, Spotfire, and GraphPad Prism.
• Fluent in English, German, and French, with strong verbal and written communication skills

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 brochure 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?

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally:

Skills Desired

Algorithms, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Ethics, Hypothesis Testing, Immunology, Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Science