Research Scientist II - Radiochemistry (80-100%*)

Job Description

700! That’s the number of talented chemists within Global Discovery Chemistry (GDC) at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) who design and make new molecules for treating patients.

At Novartis we are reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. We use innovative science and technology to address some of society's most challenging healthcare issues. We discover and develop breakthrough treatments and find new ways to deliver them to as many people as possible. How can we continue to advance our science to help patients in need? We believe the answers are found when curious, courageous, and collaborative people are empowered to ask new questions, make bolder decisions, and take smarter risks.

In Global Discovery Chemistry (GDC) at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) in Basel, Switzerland, we are at the core of Novartis’ purpose. We are looking for a highly motivated, passionate researcher with a strong scientific background in radiochemistry or related disciplines, a curious mind-set, and cultural agility to work in a highly dynamic team to identify new targeting vectors for radioligand therapies (RLT). Join us and help reimagine medicine!

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• You will independently plan and execute the synthesis of radioligands (peptides and/or proteins) labelled with various radiometals, as part of a dynamic team of associates according to a program defined by the project team.
• You will propose, evaluate, interpret and validate new radiolabeling procedures with radiometals including the use of automation and advanced formulation development.
• You will collect and perform the quality control of radioligands by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) in the radiochemistry lab environment and release the radioligands for preclinical studies.
• You will be responsible for following implemented radiation safety regulations (e.g. trainings, dosimetry, release and disposal of radioactive waste).
• You will evaluate novel technologies including possibilities for automation to increase daily work efficiency.
• You will collaboratively work in a multidisciplinary project team to characterize novel radioligand therapies in the upsurging oncology disease area.

Diversity & Inclusion / EEO

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

Minimum Requirements

What you will bring to the role:

• A passion for hands-on chemistry experimentation in the laboratory with the ability to critically interpret results, build new experimental hypotheses, and take smart decisions.
• A bachelor or apprenticeship in chemistry, pharmacy, or related discipline with strong interest and willingness to learn radiochemistry and radiolabeling techniques. We also encourage applicants from an Organic Chemistry or a Nuclear Physics background.
• Minimum of 3 years practical experience in chemistry experimentation in the laboratory and profound knowledge of standard IT applications (e.g. E-Notebook, ChemDraw, software controlled lab equipment).
• Previous experience with radiochemistry/radiolabeling is an asset.
• A mind-set of curiosity, creativity, collaboration and openness to diverse thinking, with an enthusiasm to develop yourself also beyond your current comfort zones.
• An organized working style, eye for detail, flexibility and commitment to high quality.
• A desire to collaborate with a highly dynamic team, discuss science and contribute to the next generation of RLTs.
• Good oral and written communication in English and/or German; applications in German are welcome too.

769 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2020, and while we’re proud of this, we know there is so much more we could do to help improve and extend people’s lives.

We believe new insights, perspectives and ground-breaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation. That a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment inspires new ways of working.

We believe our potential can thrive and grow in an unbossed culture underpinned by integrity, curiosity and flexibility. And we can reinvent what's possible, when we collaborate with courage to aggressively and ambitiously tackle the world’s toughest medical challenges. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying!

Imagine what you could do here at Novartis!

* Some restrictions on flexible working options may apply and will be discussed during interview if applicable.

Join our Novartis Network:

If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to learn more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network