Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuroscience

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 FellowPosition Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite #LI-onsite* This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. * Please note that relocation support is not available for this position.The start date for the 2026 Novartis BR Postdoctoral Fellowship Program cohort is October 1, 2026. Please confirm your availability to meet this date in your cover letter.Research OpportunityThis 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. ​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 expertsAccess to advanced technologies, platforms, and research capabilitiesCollaboration across disciplines and organizational boundariesA global and diverse community of postdoctoral fellowsDedicated 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 networkWe 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 TogetherAt Novartis, our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. Through this program, you will grow as a scientist and contribute to discoveries that may ultimately benefit patients worldwide. ​Key ResponsibilitiesAs a Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:Design and execute an independent, hypothesis‑driven research programDevelop and apply human iPSC‑based neuron and glial modelsUtilize genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics approachesAnalyze and integrate multi‑omics datasetsCollaborate with interdisciplinary teams across research unitsCommunicate findings through presentations and peer‑reviewed publicationsEssential Requirements: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 biochemistryStrong commitment to learning, innovation, and professional developmentExperience with human iPSC‑derived neuronal or glial modelsExperience in confocal microscopy and high-content imaging and analysisDemonstrated ability to analyze complex proteomics datasetsDesirable Requirements:Expertise in TDP-43 or apolipoprotein E biology and mechanisms of neurodegenerationExperience with protein interactome mapping (Halo µMapping) or chemo-proteomicsHow to Apply: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. ​Compensation & BenefitsThe 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.