Senior Scientist in Immunogenicity & Mechanistic Immunology (80-100%*)

We are seeking to hire a motivated candidate with background in cellular and molecular human immunology to join the Immunogenicity & Mechanistic Immunology (IMI) Unit in Basel. The group is a research exploratory team within the Biologics Research Center (BRC) at BR, with the mission to provide an immune platform to support immunogenicity and mechanistic immune profiling of biotherapeutics across different modalities in collaboration with all Disease Areas from early drug discovery to the clinic. The candidate will leverage their expertise in immunology and mass spectrometry to drive innovative approaches to improve the understanding of immunogenicity and promote the development of safe and efficacious biotherapeutics.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate the immunogenicity of biotherapeutics with the main focus on the analysis of cell-derived peptide samples using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), but also partially including isolation and culture of human cells, their quality control via flow cytometry and isolation of cell-derived peptidomes via biochemical approaches.
• Develop and optimize LC-MS-based methods for the identification and characterization of peptides and proteins involved in immune responses
• Perform data analysis, interpretation, and visualization of mass spectrometry data to identify potential immunogenic peptide epitopes and understand their role in immune responses.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in mass spectrometry techniques and immunology immune assays to identify opportunities to enhance assay sensitivity, specificity, and throughput.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators to ensure timely execution of projects.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of experiments, protocols, and results.
• Communicate data and results within the group and to the project teams 

Minimum Requirements:

• University degree (BSc and/or MSc) in a Life Science discipline, with a preference for a background in Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with LC-MS systems for peptidome analysis. Experience with Orbitrap-based systems of advantage.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mass spectrometry data analysis softwares (e.g., PEAKS, SEQUEST/Proteome Discoverer), proficiency in Excel, and basic knowledge of statistical analysis
• Understanding of basic immunology including principles of driving immune responses.
• Experience with the identification of HLA class II associated peptides via LC-MS of advantage
• Interest in primary cell culture and cell-based technologies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to design and execute experiments independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively within teams and across different departments.

*Restrictions on working flexibility may apply to this position and can be discussed at interview as required

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.