Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, Target Identification and Mechanistic Biology for Antimalarial D[...]

Position Title Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow Location San Diego, CA, USA (Onsite) Program 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 some of the most challenging problems in biomedical research and drug discovery. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will join Discovery Sciences (DSc) in San Diego 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. Research Opportunity Malaria remains a major global health challenge, and the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of several promising antimalarial compounds remain incompletely understood. In this Discovery Postdoctoral Fellowship, you will develop and apply innovative target‑identification and interactomics approaches to uncover the biological pathways underlying parasite survival and drug response. The fellow will establish a T7 phage display library representing the blood‑stage proteome of Plasmodium falciparum and apply this resource to identify targets and interaction partners of next‑generation antimalarial compounds. Using complementary approaches including phage display, mass spectrometry‑based proteomics, and computational analyses, the fellow will investigate protein interaction networks and generate mechanistic insights into parasite biology and therapeutic response. This project combines expertise in malaria biology, phage display technology, and quantitative proteomics within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. Key Responsibilities Design, construct, and characterize phage display libraries representing the blood‑stage Plasmodium falciparum proteome Develop and optimize phage display screening workflows for target identification and protein interaction mapping Propose and execute biochemical, structural, and cell‑based validation studies for candidate targets and interaction partners Collaborate closely with scientists across malaria biology, proteomics, structural biology, and computational biology disciplines Prepare and deliver clear, data‑driven presentations that translate into actionable insights and support strategic decision‑making Publish scientific manuscripts describing novel discoveries, methodologies, and research outcomes in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals Essential Requirements PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in a relevant scientific discipline completed prior to the fellowship start date (PhD conferred in 2026 only) Demonstrated record of scientific achievement (publications, presentations, patents, or equivalent) Strong commitment to learning, innovation, and professional development Demonstrated expertise in display technologies for therapeutic discovery, including phage, yeast, ribosome, and mRNA display platforms Experience with molecular biology techniques such as cloning, recombinant DNA manipulation, library construction, protein expression, or related approaches Desirable Requirements Familiarity with protein‑protein interaction technologies beyond display methods (affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling, or related screening approaches) Knowledge of mass spectrometry‑based proteomics, chemical proteomics, next‑generation sequencing, or computational analysis of large biological datasets 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. 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. 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. Notice Applicants must be able to work in the United States for the full three‑year program duration. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship and does not offer relocation support. #J-18808-Ljbffr Novartis Farmacéutica