Principal Scientist I - Oncology Pathology and Biomarkers (80-100%*)

Job Description Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland
Full time, onsite, #LI-onsite

Within our Oncology and Radioligand Therapy labs we have bold objectives to transform the lives of millions of people affected by cancer. The Oncology Translational Research (OTR) Department at Novartis Biomedical Research is a global, laboratory-based research group, supporting the development of novel therapeutics in the Novartis Biomedical Research Oncology Disease Area.

 

Job Description

Within OTR, the Oncology Pathology and Biomarkers (OPB) group uses tissue-based, cell-based and soluble protein assays to understand target epidemiology and biology, mechanisms of action of drugs, and response/resistance biomarkers, ranging from early stages of target identification through Phase 3 clinical trials. 

OPB is seeking a motivated and curious PhD qualified scientist to design and conduct imaging-based experiments for developing clinical biomarker strategies that advance Novartis Oncology drug candidates.  The candidate will partner across the full range of Oncology programs (radioligand therapeutics (RLT), small molecules and biotherapeutics) with a special focus on the effects of RLT on preclinical models and human tissues. This role will involve correlating immunohistochemistry and other imaging techniques with radioligand imaging results to answer key questions related to these therapies. The ideal candidate is passionate about tissue-based biomarker assay development (e.g., IHC, ISH, and FIHC), has a background in imaging, and possesses a keen interest in innovative experimental design.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experiments and procedures requiring scientific and technical knowledge of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and radioligand imaging

• Devise new techniques around tissue-based biomarkers to advance drug development and early discovery programs

• Conduct in-depth image analysis of whole slide images using established platforms.

• Provide complex data analysis: report experimental hypotheses, experimental details, summation of raw data, graphs and statistical analysis

• Supervise the development of multiplex IHC, FIHC and ISH assays to support clinical trials

• Mentor and train direct or matrixed reports

• Interface with other line functions, researchers and key stakeholders within and outside the organization

• Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in the field of Oncology and Radioligand Therapy

• Present data at internal and external meetings

• Champion external publications and presentations

• Deliver high‐quality data to impact drug discovery and projects in clinical development

Role Requirements:

• PhD and ideally 2 yrs + postdoctoral/industry experience in Oncology, the Biological Sciences or a related field

• Must have experience developing singleplex and multiplex immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence tissue-based assays

• Proven experience with advanced image analysis using various software tools, including HALO

• Experience working with cross-functional teams and demonstrated ability to independently drive projects in a matrixed environment

• Background in radioligand development and autoradiography is a plus

*Restrictions on flexible working may apply and will be discussed during interview if applicable

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 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.

 

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Curiosity, Data, Data Analysis, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Laboratory, Lifesciences, Machine Learning (Ml), Management, Medical Research, Molecular Biology {+ 10 more}