Site: Novartis Vaccines srl Research Center in Siena, Italy

Job Title: Genomics Scientist (Research Investigator I/II level)

Aim: We are looking for an outstanding scientist to provide core competences in genomics and molecular epidemiology within the Systems Genomics Unit of Novartis Vaccines Research. We seek for a proactive, independent and motivated candidate to work as expert in NGS data analysis and bacterial/viral population genomics within a team of bioinformaticians and quantitative sciences experts that contributed to pioneering the use of genomics in vaccines research and development.

Job Purpose: Primary responsibilities include i) providing a framework for the bioinformatic analysis of bacterial genomics data from a variety of projects within the research centre and in support of world-wide collaborations, ii) contributing scientific leadership and hands-on expertise in a broad spectrum of projects, from the analysis of pan-genomic datasets to the molecular phylogeny of antigens selected for vaccines development, iii) innovating vaccine research and development using bioinformatics and genomics. The candidate will be in charge of designing and executing multiple key scientific projects, and will also be required to be independently responsible for the conception, design, implementation, and interpretation of stand-alone scientific research projects in support of vaccine development.

Job Profile:

Accountabilities & Responsibilities, Decision Making:

• Prepares internal/external scientific documents or contributes to the review and release
• Communicates issues proactively and effectively negotiates potential solutions
• Translates project level strategy into study level activities
• Proposes adequate options and scenarios for individual studies / tasks / projects within the function in response to commercial / external environment
• Follow established Health, Safety and the Environment policies.
• Actively participate in training, hazard identification and other HS&E programs.  Stop the operation if it is unsafe or is out of compliance and report it immediately to management.

Impact on Science, Research and Strategy:

• Takes appropriate actions to resolve issues in area of responsibility affecting research strategy and progress
• Contributes to implementation of project specific research and publication plan
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge and skills in broad areas of expertise
• Generates and/or interprets scientific data that require a high degree of judgment and experience
• Takes full responsibility (with minimal or no supervision) for the data, results, discussion and conclusion of the assigned studies

Know-how of Science and Research:

• Implements new processes with minimal bureaucracy and a focus on efficiency
• Performs tasks where the level of observational detail and accuracy required is exceptional and consequences of mistakes can be serious
• Contributes to the translation of complex scientific knowledge / information into appropriate language for internal/external customers
• Participates in internal quality and process related meetings

Collaboration and Organizational Know-How:

• Represents function on project teams
• Identifies challenges and potential solutions concerning plans, processes, timelines, bottlenecks, resources and prioritization issue

Key Performance Indicators:

• Leadership & Vision
  • Ability to work independently
• Innovation & Creativity
  • Development of technical or research skills and research thinking
  • Innovative problem solving, Demonstrated ability to provide scientific guidance
  • Publication Track Record
• Contribution to NV&D pipeline
  • Quality of scientific documentation
  • Timely availability of key results and/or technologies and/or assays
• Job Dimensions:
  • Number of Associates: Direct: Up to 2 Associates, Indirect up to 2-3 Students or Jr. Associates

Candidate Profile:

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or related fields and familiarity with biological research problems are required.
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis of large DNA/RNA-Seq datasets is essential. Experience in molecular evolution and phylogeny methods is preferable.
• Familiarity with systems biology data and tool integration platforms is highly desirable.
• Significant publication track record required. Post-doctoral international experience and exposure to the scientific community a distinctive advantage.

Technical skills:

• Solid understanding of computational techniques associated with whole genome sequence data analysis
• Next Generation Sequencing data analysis
• In-depth knowledge of public biological sequence databases
• Fluency with Perl and R
• Good programming skills in at least one OO language: Java, C++, etc…
• Experience with a mainstream RDBMS: PostgreSQL, Oracle or MySQL

Languages: English fluent. Italian desirable.
How to apply: Please submit applications as single pdf file (including CV, a detailed description of previous research experience and interests, publications list, plus the contact details of at least two referees) to alessandro.muzzi@novartis.com or by applying here.