Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist, Cryo-EM Structural Biology
Basel, Switzerland
Application deadline: 24 Nov 2026
Role Type: Onsite Working, #LI-Onsite
Location: Basel, Switzerland
What if your expertise in structural biology could reveal the molecular insights that unlock the next generation of medicines? As Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist, Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) Structural Biology, you will join the Protein Sciences group within Discovery Sciences at Novartis, applying cutting-edge Cryo-EM to challenging targets across early drug discovery. Working with scientists across Biomedical Research, you will prepare biological samples, generate and interpret high-quality structural data, and translate molecular insights into actionable science that supports the discovery of novel therapeutic candidates.
The role:
- Contribute experimentally and scientifically to early drug-discovery projects within multidisciplinary teams.
- Prepare biological samples for Cryo-EM, including data collection, processing, structural determination, and model building.
- Apply current Cryo-EM technologies and methodologies to generate high-quality structural insights for drug discovery.
- Collaborate closely with laboratory associates, providing mentoring and technical training within a matrix environment.
- Maintain accurate experimental records, scientific documentation, and instrument logs to support data quality and reproducibility.
- Communicate structural biology findings through internal and external presentations and scientific publications.
Applicant Requirements:
Essential:
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline with at least five years of research experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Deep expertise in Cryo-EM, including sample preparation, single-particle analysis, structure determination, model building, and structural interpretation.
- Hands-on experience operating high-end cryo-transmission electron microscopes.
- Demonstrated experience in the expression and purification of a range of protein targets.
- Excellent written and spoken English, with strong scientific communication and presentation skills.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to working within multidisciplinary scientific teams.
Desirable:
- Experience troubleshooting and optimizing experimental and data-processing workflows for single-particle analysis and cryo-electron tomography.
- Familiarity with artificial intelligence-based and computational tools for protein construct design and optimization.
- Experience characterizing protein-ligand interactions.
- Hands-on experience with single-particle analysis, cryo-electron tomography, and dual-beam scanning electron microscopy.
Skills Desired
Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Laboratory Equipment, Analytical Thinking, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry, Data Capturing, Data Science, Digital Workflows, Employee Development, Employee Performance Management, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Laboratory Automation, Life Sciences R&D, Machine Learning (ML), Physicochemical Characterization, Python (Programming Language), Scientific Publications, Spectrometry, Spectroscopy, Therapeutic Modalities
At Novartis, you will join a collaborative Protein Sciences team applying complementary technologies, including biophysics, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and Cryo-Electron Microscopy, to advance target-based drug discovery and novel therapeutic candidates.
Find out more and apply here.
Closing date: 24 November
