Principal Scientist II (Lab Head), Allergy and Plasma Cell Research

About the role

Novartis is hiring a Principal Scientist II (Lab Head) in Allergy and Plasma Cell Research in Basel, onsite. The role leads a preclinical research laboratory within the Adaptive Immunity workgroup of the Novartis Immunology Research Disease Area, contributing to the food allergy strategy and to programs targeting pathogenic cells and mechanisms behind allergic responses. Relocation is offered.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a research team in allergy, plasma-cell biology and type 2 immunity, identifying and advancing novel therapeutic opportunities.
• Provide scientific leadership and experimental support to existing allergy programs, including mechanistic studies, mode-of-action understanding, translational hypotheses and key program decisions.
• Shape and advance the food allergy research strategy, integrating human biology, experimental data and emerging therapeutic concepts.
• Develop and evaluate approaches to target plasma cells and their precursors, leveraging B-cell differentiation and mechanisms regulating pathogenic antibody responses.
• Design and oversee mechanistic and translational studies that generate decision-making data.
• Guide drug-discovery program decisions by evaluating biological evidence, translational opportunities and scientific risks.
• Mentor and develop scientists and foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, innovation and integrity.

Required profile

• PhD or MD/PhD in Immunology, Allergy, B-cell/Plasma Cell Biology or a related field, with a strong track record and peer-reviewed publications.
• Substantial pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience and a record of advancing drug-discovery or translational research programs.
• Deep expertise in allergic diseases and IgE biology, ideally including food allergy, allergen-specific immune responses and mast-cell/basophil biology.
• Strong expertise in B-cell differentiation and plasma-cell biology, including mechanisms controlling antibody production and persistence.
• Ability to translate mechanistic biology into therapeutic concepts, target validation, translational readouts and program decisions.
• Experience using human translational systems and biosamples to establish disease-relevant mechanisms and biomarker strategies.

Desirable requirements

• Experience with therapeutic antibodies, multispecific molecules or other modalities targeting B cells, plasma cells or pathogenic antibodies.
• Familiarity with high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell profiling, B-cell receptor repertoire analysis or multiomics.
• AI and digital fluency, using enterprise tools to improve insight generation and team productivity.

What we offer

• Annual base salary range in Switzerland of CHF 93,800 to 174,200, with a possible performance-based bonus.
• Relocation support for this role.
• Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working options where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.