Summary
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.
About the Role
Internal Job Title: Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow
Position Location: San Diego, CA, USA (Onsite)
* Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.
* This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Please only apply if you are currently authorized to work in the US for the 3 year duration of the program.
* This is a full-time training position of up to three years in duration.
Research Opportunity:
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.
Why Join the Program?
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.
Postdoctoral Research Fellows benefit from:
• Guidance from accomplished scientific leaders and subject matter experts
• Access to advanced technologies, platforms, and research capabilities
• Collaboration across disciplines and organizational boundaries
• A global and diverse community of postdoctoral fellows
• Dedicated programming is designed to help fellows thrive throughout their careers.
• Personalized experiential learning opportunities through a Postdoc Practicum that empower fellows to explore new scientific domains, build cross-functional expertise, and expand their impact beyond their primary research project.
• Opportunities to present research, publish in leading journals, and build an international scientific network
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.
This is a full-time training position of up to three years in duration.
Reimagining Medicine Together
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.
Start Date:
The start date for the 2026 Novartis BR Postdoctoral Fellowship Program cohort is October, 2026. Please confirm your availability to meet this date in your cover letter.
Key Responsibilities:
As an Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:
• 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
Essential 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
Desirable Requirements:
• 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
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and cover letter by 08/24/2026. In your cover letter, please describe your research interests, career aspirations, and how participation in the Novartis Biomedical Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Program will support your long-term development.
Compensation & Benefits:
The starting salary for this position is 87,000 USD per year.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.
To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
EEO Statement:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow, Peptide or LMW Delivery of New Drug Modality
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