PostDoc in Data Science

Key Skills

Java Programming, Python Programming, C++, C Programming, SQL, Cloud computing, Scala Programming, Machine learning techniques, Data science techniques, MATLAB Programming, PyTorch, TensorFlow, R Programming

Job Description

Novartis Pharma is hiring a Postdoc in Chemical & Analytical Development (CHAD), enrolled in the dynamic Early Talent Program (ETP). The department plays a crucial role in the development of processes for manufacturing and analysis of Small Molecule Drug Substance from the time it leaves the discovery laboratory until it is handed over to Commercial Production.

Candidates will work in close collaboration with a senior chemist and laboratory technician(s) and be involved in the design and development of safe, ecologically benign, and economic manufacturing processes for chemical intermediates and drug substances. This program strives to: -Provide good working experience to students -Evaluate new methodologies at the state of the art of the chemistry -Gain expertise in new technologies of interest.

The Early Talent Program is designed to offer highly motivated talents outstanding insights into drug development. This year we provide the opportunity to work in the emerging field of data sciences linked to chemistry. Several rotations of 3 - 12 months within various groups in CHAD Basel (e.g. continuous manufacturing, chemical development unit, bio catalysis team) including close interaction with our colleagues in Changshu, China, will provide a comprehensive overview of drug development within Novartis. During these rotations, you will be exposed to current standards in safety, quality and training systems and good manufacturing practice (GMP). You will not only be able to transfer your theoretical know-how into practice, but also to develop your soft skills and grow your internal network for your future career in the pharmaceutical industry.

We are looking for a highly motivated recent PhD to support and expand the development of data science expertise across our chemical development organization. Your responsibilities will vary throughout the program stages and include:

• Evaluate and build groundbreaking (raw) data collection, visualization, and analysis to support innovation as well as chemical process and product quality improvements
• Apply data analysis tools to improve chemical process understanding, in the small molecule and mixed modalities area, using, e.g. multivariate data analysis, statistics, machine learning, data-driven models, etc.
• Support development of laboratory automation (e.g. ChemSpeed, HiTec Zang) and PAT systems as well as PAT applications for process control/understanding of chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Deploy models to support the scientific project team with relevant IT platforms (e.g. Spotfire, KNIME, R, Python, etc.)
• Develop methods for model-based experimental design and chemical process optimization, e.g. Bayesian statistics
• Participate and actively contribute to scientific exchange groups within Novartis, including data science, computational chemistry, lab automation as well as molecular modelling (e.g. screening for biocatalytic processes).

Diversity & Inclusion / EEO

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

Minimum Requirements

Preferentially, a completed PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, life sciences, process engineering, data science, applied statistics or related subject area

• Strong chemical, pharmaceutical or engineering knowledge required
• Extensive experience in data science, good knowledge of relevant software and sophisticated digital skills are required
• An excellent record of data science application in innovative chemical and/or pharmaceutical areas
• Insights or experience in pharmaceutical or life science industry is an advantage

Soft Skills:

• Ready to work in international and multidisciplinary teams
• Open minded and curious personality paired with “can do” demeanor
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required
• Proficiency in English. German or French skills are advantageous

Duration of employment: 24 months

Why consider Novartis?

766 million. That’s how many lives our products touched in 2021. And while we’re proud of that fact, in this world of digital and technological transformation, we must also ask ourselves this: how can we continue to improve and extend even more people’s lives?