RA Capital

Band

Level 2

Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite
Location: Basel
Internal Title: Research Scientist II or Senior Scientist I

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join a multidisciplinary team working on genome safety assessment for advanced therapies. The role focuses on studies supporting the genotoxicity assessment of gene and cell therapies, including AAV-based approaches and CAR-T platforms.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research addressing integration risk and tumorigenicity, in a highly collaborative environment interfacing with regulatory, nonclinical, and translational teams. The position is located in Basel (Switzerland). 100% on site.

About the Role
The role will primarily support genome safety assessment of the gene and cell therapy portfolio. In addition, there will be an opportunity for cross-functional contributions to mechanistic safety assessment of additional therapeutic modailities including LMW compounds, xRNA and Biologics. This role is suited for individuals who are energized by scientific challenges and a diverse range of activities.

Job Description

Key responsibilities

• Conduct in vitro studies to support genotoxicity assessment of gene therapies (AAVs, lentiviruses, etc) for regulatory use

• Support mechanistic evaluation of genome integrity following gene therapy modalities

• Generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support nonclinical safety assessments

• Contribute to integration site analysis (ISA) strategies and interpretation

• Design and execute cell-based assays to investigate DNA damage and other mechanisms responsible to viral integration

• Develop and implement state-of-the-art innovative technologies and systems for regulatory and investigative genetic toxicity testing across all therapeutic areas and modalities.

• Collaborate with internal experts and external partners to align on study design and data interpretation

• Document and communicate results in reports, presentations, and regulatory-relevant summaries

Essential Requirements:

• Master degree in cellular biology, molecular biology, toxicology or a related subject. No PhD.

• Experience with mammalian cell culture (primary cells and established cell lines)

• Molecular biology: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR based methods, library preparation for sequencing

• Basic programming skills for data analysis (R, Python, etc)

• Strong data interpretation skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment

• Effective communication skills: including presenting, manuscript preparation, and collaboration

• A proactive, flexible mindset and enthusiasm for tackling non-routine scientific challenges are essential

• Ability to comply with Good Laboratory Science standards, Safety, Health and Environment standards

Desirable

• Experience with gene therapy systems (e.g. AAV, lentiviral vectors, CRISPR/Cas9)

• CRISPR/Cas9 editing

• Experience with DNA damage/repair readouts (e.g. γH2AX, western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry)

• Karyotyping, molecular karyotyping, advanced cytogenetics (FISH, SKY)

• Familiarity with genome safety concepts (integration, clonal expansion, tumorigenicity)

• Exposure to primary human cells (e.g. hepatocytes) and/or advanced in vitro models

• Understanding of regulatory context for nonclinical safety

This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered.

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

Skills Desired

Animal Models, Bioinformatics, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Data Analysis, Ethics, Laboratory, Problem Solving, Regulatory Compliance, Research, Risk Assessment, Toxicology