Postgraduate Program Biologics

Summary

Are you a recent Master’s graduate in chemistry, biology, or engineering with a passion for cutting-edge biologics? Join our 2-year rotational program in Technical Research and Development (TRD) Biologics and gain hands-on experience across Drug Product Development, Drug Substance Development, Global Device & Packaging Development and Analytical Development.

About The Role

During each 6-month rotation, you’ll be embedded in expert teams, contributing to real projects:

Examples Of Past And Current Projects

• Development of a new bioassay to detect host cell proteins in biologics
• Evaluation of new packaging modalities (e.g., pre-filled syringes, cartridges)
• Biophysical characterization of biologic drug products to support stability predictions
• Assessment of surfactants for silicon oil depletion in pre-filled syringes
• Development of Raman spectroscopy-based models using Python for real-time impurity monitoring

Location: Basel, Switzerland, -Site

This Postgraduate program is limited to 2 years, with the start date in April 2027.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland .

Key Responsibilities

Contribute to lab-based (80 %) and office-based (20 %) TRD-biologics projects

Conduct experiments and generate data on TRD-biologics projects

Document and present results related to projects activities

Collaborate with internal and external development partners and stakeholders

Acquire an understanding of the TRD-Biologics organizations and how the different units within work together

Essential Requirements

Education: Master’s degree or equivalent (PhDs will not be considered).

Languages: Fluent in English

Work Style & Adaptability: Independent, fast learner, and easily adaptable to new environments.

Lab & Scientific Expertise: Hands-on lab experience with autonomous project handling.

Pharma & Technical Knowledge: Basic understanding of pharmaceutical development, including container closure systems.

Specialized Skills: Familiarity with one or more areas such as protein production, analytical (HDPB, RPC, SEC, particle analysis) and bioanalytical methods (ELISA, cell-based assays, flow cytometry), molecular biology (cloning methods, PCR, viral vector, CRISPR), or programming/data modeling (e.g., Python, R).

Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion

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

Our recruitment decisions are based on selecting the best person for the job, regardless of gender, religion, age, color, race, sexual orientation, nationality or disability.

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 diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com, and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Application deadline: November 14 EOB.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter that includes your motivation for the position and from when you will be available.

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

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)