Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow, Peptide or LMW Delivery of New Drug Modality
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 GDC (Global Discovery Chemistry) in San Diego 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. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary effort to advance the targeted delivery of oligonucleotides with peptides and other LMW ligands. This project will examine how chemical modifications influence therapeutic potency, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution, etc. The project will focus on ligand design and optimization for targeted central nervous oligonucleotide delivery, including peptide ligands and low-molecular-weight ligands. The fellow will collaborate with experts in oligonucleotides, peptides therapeutics, bioconjugation chemistry, pharmacokinetics, translational biology, and computational sciences. The Postdoctoral researcher will join a collaborative research environment at Novartis in San Diego and receive strong scientific and career mentorship. This opportunity is well suited for candidates with backgrounds in organic chemistry, drug delivery, bioconjugation and/or peptide or oligonucleotide related chemistry. The ideal candidate will be scientifically curious, collaborative, technically rigorous, and motivated to address key delivery challenges in oligonucleotides and peptides-based medicine. Through this project, the fellow will gain deep experience in therapeutic platform optimization and contribute to extrahepatic delivery of oligonucleotides via peptides and low molecular weight synthetic ligands. 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. 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 a relevant scientific discipline completed prior to the fellowship start date. The program is intended for scientists immediately following their PhD training (PhD conferred in 2026 only).
- Rich experience in synthetic/medicinal chemistry
- Demonstrated record of scientific achievement (publications, presentations, patents, or equivalent)
- Strong commitment to learning, innovation, and professional development
Nice To Haves
- Strong background in drug delivery, experience in biomolecule conjugation, and chemical biology.
- Experience in CNS and/or other disease areas with highly unmet medical needs
Responsibilities
- Design & synthesize functional small molecules, bioconjugate with peptides and/or oligonucleotides for biological evaluation
- Apply analytical and biophysical methods, including LC-MS/MS, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and related techniques, to evaluate LMW and conjugate purity, stability, binding behavior, and pharmacological properties.
- Develop and propose innovative ideas in chemistry and chemical biology to advance drug modality, e.g. peptide or oligonucleotide in drug delivery with primary focus in CNS
- Prepare and deliver clear, data-driven presentations that turn findings into actionable insights and inform strategic decision-making.
- Publish scientific manuscripts describing novel discoveries, methodologies, and research outcomes in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
- Work effectively both independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams
Benefits
- health, life and disability benefits
- a 401(k) with company contribution and match
- a variety of other benefits
- a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
