Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, Spatial Transcriptomics - Neuroscience

Novartis • Cambridge, MA

2d • $57,800 - $107,300 • Onsite

About The Position

We are excited to invite applications for the Novartis Biomedical Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, a unique training opportunity designed for exceptional early-career scientists eager to tackle some of the most challenging problems in biomedical research and drug discovery. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will join Neuroscience in Cambridge and pursue an innovative research project at the forefront of biomedical science and drug discovery. You will work alongside leading scientists in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while gaining exposure to the broader ecosystem that translates scientific discovery into medicines. Our fellows are empowered to ask bold scientific questions, apply cutting-edge technologies, and develop approaches that have the potential to transform patient care. The Postdoctoral Fellow will leverage spatial transcriptomics, advanced bioinformatics, CRISPR engineering, and human iPSC-based functional assays to discover and validate novel therapeutic targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the neuroimmune interface. The Novartis Biomedical Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is designed to develop the next generation of scientific leaders and power the future of medicine through rigorous research, and immersive learning experiences, including the implementation of AI tools in biomedical research. We are entering a new era of biomedical research breakthroughs through the convergence of biology, technology, and artificial intelligence tools, and fellows are also supported in engaging with these emerging approaches. At Novartis, our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. Through this program, you will grow as a scientist and future leader while contributing to discoveries that may ultimately benefit patients worldwide.

Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in neuroscience, biology or related discipline (completed prior to the fellowship start date).
• The program is intended for scientists immediately following their PhD training (PhD conferred in 2026 only).
• Demonstrated record of scientific achievement (publications, presentations, patents, or equivalent)
• Strong commitment to learning, innovation, and professional development
• Strong background in spatial transcriptomics, single-cell genomics, stem cell biology, functional genomics, or related areas.
• Experience with human iPSC-derived cell lines and models.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex omics datasets.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with one or more relevant experimental platforms, such as tissue processing, transcriptomic profiling, human iPSC culture and differentiation, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, high-content imaging, co-culture systems, or functional cellular assays.
• Familiarity with computational analysis of transcriptomic or spatial omics datasets, including use of tools or workflows such as Seurat, spatial clustering, differential gene-expression analysis, pathway analysis, or cell–cell communication analysis.

Responsibilities

• Establish and apply high-resolution spatial transcriptomics workflows to profile disease-relevant regions in ALS model systems and identify spatially organized gene-expression programs.
• Develop and benchmark computational pipelines for spatial transcriptomic analysis, including spatial clustering, gene-module detection, ligand–receptor interaction mapping, and integration with single-cell and human ALS datasets.
• Generate and characterize CRISPR-engineered knockout or knock-in human iPSC lines for selected spatially identified target genes.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across neuroscience, functional genomics, bioinformatics, genome engineering, stem cell biology, and translational research.
• Communicate research findings through internal presentations, conference abstracts, and peer-reviewed publications.

Benefits

• health, life and disability benefits
• a 401(k) with company contribution and match
• a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree