Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow, DNA Damage & Repair

Job Description Summary

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 Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicine (DARe) 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.

 

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Location: Cambridge, MA 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

DNA damage is considered a primary hallmark of aging, which lies upstream of many associated molecular changes in aging and age-related pathways, such as metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, DNA repair maintenance is critical for counteracting diseases of aging. The Fellow will be part of an innovative therapeutic target approach and contribute to identifying novel mechanisms to boost DNA repair with potential to treat age-related diseases.

This position will encompass data science and generation of novel molecular biology tools to assess repair capacity in disease-relevant models. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience at the interface of computational and experimental biology, with a track record of developing analytical methods, incorporating AI-ready workflows, and translating computational insights into experimental assay development.

Why Join the Program?

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 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.

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: September 2026. This is a full-time training position of up to three years in duration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop novel analytical methods and translate computational insights into wet-lab assay development

• Work on the complete data analysis workflow: defining problems, data collection, data cleaning and wrangling, exploratory and confirmatory analyses, data visualization and storytelling

• Develop molecular biology tools

• Perform and design cell culture experiments (including IPSc derived relevant cell models)

• Innovate and drive forward-thinking research initiatives.

• Embrace a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach

• Develop and nurture relationships with key collaborators and stakeholders

• Present research findings and insights at internal and external meetings

• Stay updated with the latest research trends and advancements

Essential Requirements:

• PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in a quantitative science such as biology, medicinal science, computational biology or a 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 computational biology with expertise in omics data analysis, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, proteomics, protein networks, etc.

• Demonstrated experience in wet-lab techniques (including molecular biology techniques i.e. cloning, western blot, qPCR, assay development, or experimental validation

• Demonstrated experience in wet-lab techniques (including molecular biology techniques i.e. cloning, western blot, qPCR) and assay development

• Cell culture experience

• Demonstrated experience in programming languages such as Python or R

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues.

• Ability to work independently, and collaboratively in a matrix environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong publication record or other scientific achievements (i.e. awards, patents, grants)

Desirable Requirements:

• Working knowledge of state-of-the-art artificial intelligence methods and applications

• Experience with IPSC derived cultured models and cell line engineering

• Experience in integrating and interpreting multiple data modalities

• Experience in using machine learning techniques to analyze omics data

• Experience in integrating and interpreting multiple data modalities to generate biological hypotheses

• Experience in working in a high-performance computing environment

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and cover letter by July 25, 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.

 

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 and 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 us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com 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.

 

Salary Range

$57,800.00 - $107,300.00

 

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Machine Learning (ML), Mammalian Cell Culture, Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Patient Care, Science