We are seeking an independent, highly motivated and dedicated researcher with substantial background and knowledge in neuroinflammation, microglia biology and advanced technical expertise in cellular modeling. You will support the research team in elucidating mechanisms of microglia modulation and their contribution to neurodegenerative diseases.

You will have access to state-of-the-art cellular models as well as proprietary tools to modulate targets of interest, aiming at elucidating signaling mechanisms involved in the biology of neuroinflammation. In this position you will be supported by mentors with diverse educational backgrounds, scientific and technical expertise, and drug development experience. In addition, there is a unique opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams and scientists from other departments and you will have opportunities to gain insights into aspects of drug development.

As part of the Discovery Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will join our vibrant, dedicated postdoctoral community for events, including the monthly postdoc seminars and other scheduled events for postdocs. Fellows are surrounded by a supportive, collaborative community of postdocs and scientists, who would contribute to the acceleration of your scientific growth, along with building your professional skillset, e.g. you will have the opportunity to do a Postdoc Practicum in another laboratory or in a business function of Novartis. This applied research program is up to 3 years in length, with the option of applying for an extension of up to 1 year.

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellows have a unique opportunity to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research and are expected to publish their results in leading journals. We collaborate across scientific and organizational boundaries, with a focus on powerful new technologies that have the potential to help produce therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

Through the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, you will build your competency as a drug hunter, and as a scientific leader in the field. You will join a professional network that will support your growth as a research scientist, and you will have the opportunity to tackle disease and make an impact, by reimagining medicine together.

Start date: September 1st 2025

Location: Campus Basel, Switzerland

Major accountabilities:

As a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

• Independently design and develop cellular assays to study mechanisms and functional consequences of microglia target modulation
• Study intra-, extra- and intercellular signaling pathways in appropriate cellular models using a battery of available tools and analytical methods
• Work closely with experimental teams within the group and across departments
• Communicate your work in a clear manner to both experts and non-experts in the field
• Prepare and present research findings in scientific publications and conferences

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in Neuroscience
• Note that PhD students in the last year of their thesis work are eligible to apply. Applicants are only eligible to apply up to 2 years from the date of receiving their PhD (i.e. PhD degrees must have been awarded May 2023 or later).
• Good knowledge in microglia biology and specific interest studying neuro-glia cross talk
• In-depth understanding of the current knowledge on disease pathology of neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. AD, PD, ALS, MS)
• Solid experience working with complex cell culture models such as primary mouse neuronal cultures and hiPSC-derived cells or generate stable genetically engineered cell lines
• Some basic computational experience is a plus
• Some experience with in vivo models and ex vivo analysis techniques is a plus
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation and organizational skills
• Passion for fundamental exploratory research and boundless curiosity

How to apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter by July 15st 2025 for consideration. Please make sure to discuss in the cover letter how this training program will help you fulfill your career goals. 

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 [email protected], and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.