Mechanistic Safety - Developmental & Reproductive Toxicology NAMs Expert

DTX Pharma, a Novartis Company
DTX Pharma, a Novartis Company

Basel, Switzerland

Posted on Jun 18, 2026

Salary Range:

CHF93,800.00 - CHF174,200.00


Band

Level 4


Job Description Summary

Internal Title: Principal Scientist
This role is based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is unable to offer
relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

As a Principal Scientist in Translational Medicine Preclinical Safety, you will drive scientific excellence and translational safety strategies to support drug discovery and development. You will contribute deep subject-matter expertise to support the strategic advancement of Developmental & Reproductive Toxicology NAMs capabilities and their application to a range of therapeutic modalities and indications. In addition, there will also be an opportunity for cross-functional laboratory- and data-driven contributions to a broader range of mechanistic safety assessment activities supporting Novartis R&D projects. This role is suited for individuals who are energized by scientific challenges and a diverse range of activities


Job Description

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the strategic advancement of Developmental & Reproductive Toxicology (DART) New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) capabilities by leveraging insights from animal toxicology and clinical safety data to guide the adoption of NAMs for enhanced drug development.
  • Develop/recommend objectives for NAMs based on expertise and trends in the field, overseeing studies & enabling matrix collaboration with internal and external partners.
  • Participates in and/or leads multidisciplinary teams together with scientists from other units in Novartis and external partners to evaluate, develop and implement state-of-the-art innovative NAMs technologies and systems for regulatory and investigative mechanistic toxicity testing across all therapeutic areas and modalities.
  • Generate, analyze, integrate, and interpret in silico, in vitro, in vivo and clinical data safety to enable a mechanism-based understanding of toxicity and risk assessment.
  • Document and communicate strategy and results in reports, presentations, including contributions to regulatory interactions and continuing education.
  • Lead or contribute to scientific problem solving across multiple projects, generating innovative hypotheses and solutions.
  • Proactively mentor others in functional or project teams to meet scientific/technical challenges and needs.

Essential Requirements:

  • PhD degree in Biomedical Science
  • Experience in developmental and reproductive biology
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements for developmental and reproductive toxicity testing and risk assessment during drug discovery and development
  • Prior experience with the design and implementation of NAMs including complex in vitro mammalian cellular models
  • Strong data exploration and interpretation skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrix environment
  • Effective communication skills including presentations, report preparation, and cross-functional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
  • A proactive, flexible mindset and enthusiasm for tackling non-routine scientific challenges
  • Ability to comply with Good Laboratory Science/Quality, Safety, Health and Environment standards

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

  • 93,800.00 – 174,200.00 CHF Annual

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:

https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO

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

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.


Skills Desired

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