Translational Medicine Academy fellow in Biomarker Development (BMD) Laboratory Excellence & Operations (LEO)

Job Description Summary

Novartis is a place where bright, curious minds combine to solve the world’s toughest healthcare challenges and reimagine medicine together. It’s an inspiring environment for aspiring talent. For those embarking on a career in innovative medicines or moving into the industry it’s an opportunity to gain early exposure, experience and insights that are hard to find anywhere else.

Biomedical Research’s global Translational Medicine (TM) group builds on basic research advances to develop new therapies that address unmet medical need. We are the crucial bridge between drug discovery and clinical application. Through our work, we increase the speed, quality and productivity of drug discovery and development by Novartis and play a pivotal role in bringing innovative medicines to patients.

Biomarker solutions are critical in clinical development to: define the stage/subtype of the disease; predict the effect of medication; select a group of patients who would benefit most from a given therapy; and identify opportunities for development of companion diagnostics. Our scientists identify and use a wide range of biomarkers to investigate a disease, profile a compound’s mechanism of action, potency and likely side effects, select patients who may respond to therapy based on their genetic profile; and develop parallel/expanded indications for the compound.

The TM Academy is a cross-functional program within TM designed for career starters, career changers, and career relaunchers. If you are ready for two transformative years to gain hands-on experience in a diverse, multicultural, global and inclusive environment in early drug development and clinical trials, contributing to innovative programs and projects that help bring breakthrough treatments closer to patients worldwide, then this is the opportunity for you!

 

Job Description

This advert is exclusively for Biomarker Development Laboratory Excellence and Operations (BMD LEO) within the TM Academy. Other TM Academy roles are advertised separately under:

• REQ‑10077246 – TM Academy Fellow in Biomarker Development
• REQ-10076855 –TM Academy Clinical Science & Innovation (CS&I) 
• REQ‑10077029 – TM Academy Pharmacokinetic Sciences (PKS) Modeling & Simulation
• REQ‑10077055 – TM Academy Preclinical Safety – Data Science

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Duration of program: 24 months

Program start: 01 September 2026

Applications are open until 17-May-2026 included.

By submitting your application, you confirm that you would be available to begin the program on 01-September, with final selection decisions expected to be communicated by end of June/early July.

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

The TM Academy is designed for individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences:

• Career starters: recent university degree graduate within the past 2 years

• Career changers: professionals with experience from a different field

• Career relaunchers: professionals wanting to return to work after a career break

JOB DESCRIPTION

Your journey begins with a basecamp: 4-week immersive blended experience designed to introduce you to our organization, the drug development process, the various departments in Translational Medicine, the clinical trial process and the tools and technical platforms needed for your work.

Throughout the program, fellows reunite for continuous learning focused on soft skills, cross-functional exposure, and thematic introduction series - broadening your perspective beyond your immediate team and function.

As TM Academy fellow in BMD LEO, you will receive training and mentorship, you will be empowered to do and learn and you will work in a diverse, multicultural, global and inclusive environment.

Key learning areas include:

• Represent BMD on clinical trial teams; work with biomarker experts and clinical trial leaders to develop biomarker plans for implementation in clinical studies.

• Gain familiarity with innovative biomarker technologies used in clinical research.

• Develop relevant study documentation, including clinical protocol biomarker sections, lab manuals, informed consent forms and biomarker study budgets.

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues related to biomarker samples in ongoing clinical trials.

• Acquire knowledge of potential ethical issues related to biomarker sample collection and analysis, and devise solutions that satisfy both ethical concerns and study objectives. 

• Learning to perform logistical and operational activities for innovative biomarkers, coordinating with clinical sites, managing and tracking material supply and sample at sites, central lab, and external service providers.

• Monitor and provide oversight of biomarkers and laboratory assays (e.g. flow cytometry, Immunoassays) at external partners (CRO).

• Lead and contribute to process improvement projects, technology evaluation operational innovation and initiatives across BR sites

During the TM Academy you will… 

• build a strong foundation in translational medicine with support from industry experts

• embark on a progressive, blended and flexible learning experience covering conceptual, theoretical and experiential techniques 

• be part of a global network of supportive peers and mentors who will guide you to work and collaborate on meaningful projects that shape the future of medicine

• gain hands-on experience by contributing to and supporting a biomarker plan execution in clinical studies

• broaden your professional horizon by doing a deep dive in different areas aligned with your interests and based on open opportunities

• have the opportunity to teach back and mentor new fellows

​Role requirements

• Demonstrated interest in biomarker development and clinical research

• University degree (BA; BSc, MA, MSc, PharmD or PhD) or relevant professional experience

• Fluency in business-level English; oral & written

• Good organizational, interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills

• Ability to work in a team and independently, managing multiple priorities with support

• Candidates should have:

• Good Office IT skills

 

Skills Desired