Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuroscience

Overview

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 fundamental challenges in neurodegenerative disease and drug discovery.

As a Discovery Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will join the Neuroscience Disease Area in Cambridge and pursue an innovative research program investigating mechanisms of TDP‑43–driven neurodegeneration. You will work alongside leading scientists in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while contributing to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.

Internal

Job Title:

Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Location:

Cambridge, MA, onsite

• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Relocation support is not available for this position.

The start date for the 2026 Novartis   Postdoctoral Fellowship Program cohort is October 1, 2026. Please confirm your availability to meet this date in your cover letter.

This project maps early neuronal TDP‑43 interaction networks influenced by disease‑associated glial environments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease to identify shared, druggable targets across neurodegeneration. The Fellow will leverage human iPSC‑derived neuron–glia systems, proteomics, transcriptomics, and multi‑omics integration to uncover mechanisms of neuronal vulnerability and disease progression.

• Design and execute an independent, hypothesis‑driven research program.
• Develop and apply human iPSC‑based neuron and glial models.
• Utilize genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics approaches.
• Analyze and integrate multi‑omics datasets.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across research units.
• Communicate findings through presentations and peer‑reviewed publications.

• PhD (or equivalent) in neuroscience, biology, or related discipline (completed prior to 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 expertise in neurobiology, molecular and cell biology, or biochemistry.
• Strong commitment to learning, innovation, and professional development.
• Experience with human iPSC‑derived neuronal or glial models.
• Experience in confocal microscopy and high‑content imaging and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex proteomics datasets.

• Expertise in TDP‑43 or apolipoprotein E biology and mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
• Experience with protein interactome mapping (Halo µMapping) or chemo‑proteomics.

• 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 empowers 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.

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. Employees are also eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

Please submit your CV and cover letter by July 25th, 2026. In your cover letter, describe your research interests, career aspirations, and how this fellowship will support your long‑term development.

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment,…