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

Salary Range: CHF
93,800.00 - CHF Band Level 4

Job Description Summary

Location:

Basel, Onsite Relocation is offered for this role.

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

We are developing the next generation of medicines for allergic and autoantibody-mediated diseases with the ambition to transform the lives of patients. This is an opportunity for you to bring your scientific expertise and leadership into a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and help translate emerging human immunology into innovative therapeutic approaches. The preclinical research laboratory you will lead is integrated within the Adaptive Immunity workgroup of the Novartis Immunology Research Disease Area and you will contribute to advancing our food allergy strategy, existing programs in this space, and novel approaches targeting pathogenic cells and mechanisms driving allergic responses.

To lead this lab, we are looking for an experienced scientist with deep expertise in allergy, B-cell ,plasma-cell biology and type 2 immunity and a strong track record in pharmaceutical drug discovery. If you are passionate about translating mechanistic immunology into therapeutic concepts and guiding programs from biological hypothesis towards clinical development, we want you on our team.

• Lead a research team in allergy, plasma-cell biology and type 2 immunity, identifying and advancing novel therapeutic opportunities based on human disease mechanisms.
• Provide scientific leadership and experimental support to existing allergy programs, including mechanistic studies, mode-of-action understanding, translational hypotheses and key program decisions.
• Contribute, 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, plasma-cell biology and mechanisms regulating pathogenic antibody responses in the context of allergy and of antibody-mediated autoimmunity.
• Design and oversee mechanistic and translational studies that generate decision‑making data and differentiate therapeutic concepts.
• Guide drug‑discovery program decisions, critically evaluating biological evidence, translational opportunities and scientific risks.
• Lead, mentor and develop scientists and foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, innovation and integrity.

• PhD or MD/PhD in Immunology, Allergy, B-cell/Plasma Cell Biology or a related field, with a strong track record of scientific accomplishment and peer-reviewed publications.
• Substantial pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience and a demonstrated track 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.
• Demonstrated ability to translate mechanistic biology into therapeutic concepts, target‑validation strategies, translational readouts and program decisions.
• Experience using human translational systems and biosamples to establish disease‑relevant mechanisms and pharmacodynamic or biomarker strategies.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills and the ability to provide clear scientific recommendations in complex drug‑discovery programs.

• Experience with therapeutic antibodies, multispecific molecules or other modalities targeting B cells, plasma cells or pathogenic antibodies.
• Bring strong AI and…