Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow Targeted Mitophagy

Novartis AG

Key information

Publication date:05 June 2025
Workload:100%
Place of work:Basel (City)
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Job summary

Join Novartis as a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow and innovate in mitochondrial research. Enjoy a collaborative environment with ample learning opportunities.

Tasks

Identify surface markers of dysfunctional mitochondria using proteomics.
Conduct experiments to selectively degrade dysfunctional mitochondria.
Evaluate the impact of degradation on cellular health in aging models.

Skills

PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields required.
Experience in autophagy and mitochondrial biology preferred.
Strong data analysis skills, familiarity with R or Python a plus.

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Summary

About the role

We are thrilled to open applications for our Discovery Fellowship track of the Novartis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

Come join Novartis Biomedical Research as a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow and help develop therapeutic approaches to restore mitochondrial function. The project will focus on the targeted degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria in diseases of aging with a focus on neurodegeneration.

You will be part of our Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicine (DARe) and Discovery Science (DSc) teams in Basel, Switzerland, driving research towards the identification of surface markers of damaged/dysfunctional mitochondria using proteomics approaches. You will drive experiments to selectively degrade dysfunctional mitochondria and evaluate the impact on cellular health in cell models of diseases of aging.

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

About the Role

Key responsibilities

As a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

Work independently as well as with interdisciplinary teams

Conduct research towards identification of surface markers of damaged/dysfunctional mitochondria using proteomics approaches.

Drive experiments to selectively degrade dysfunctional mitochondria.

Evaluate the impact of selective degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria on cellular health in cell models of diseases of aging.

Be part of cross-functional teams, including experts in autophagy, mitochondrial biology, proteomics, and disease biology.

Present research findings at internal and external meetings and contribute to high-impact publications.

Role Requirements:

PhD in a relevant field such as molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, cell biology or a related field.

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).

Experience in autophagy research, mitochondrial biology, protein degradation and/or surface proteomics methodologies will be considered a plus

Strong skills in data analysis; proficiency in programming languages such as R or Python is a plus

Strong publication record or other scientific achievements (i.e. awards, patents, grants)

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 1st, 2025 for consideration. Please make sure to discuss in the cover letter how this training program will help you fulfill your career goals.

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? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network(link is external)

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Categories:

Pharmaceuticals / Biotechnology / Chemistry, Research & Development / Laboratory