Senior Scientist - Biology CNS

Basel Area - Allschwil, BL, CH

About Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Idorsia Ltd is reaching out for more - We have more ideas, we see more opportunities and we want to help more patients.

In order to achieve this, we will develop Idorsia into one of Europe’s leading biopharmaceutical company, with a strong scientific core.

Headquartered in Switzerland - a European biotech hub - Idorsia is specialized in the discovery and development of small molecules, to transform the horizon of therapeutic options. Idorsia has a broad portfolio of innovative drugs in the pipeline, an experienced team, a fully-functional research center, and a strong balance sheet – the ideal constellation to bringing R&D efforts to business success.

Idorsia was listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: IDIA) in June 2017 and has over 600 highly qualified specialists dedicated to realizing our ambitious targets.

Job Responsibilities

For our Biology CNS group, we are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist, who will establish the cell and molecular biology group that supports the company's drug discovery portfolio. In this role, you will drive drug discovery projects at stages from inception to clinical trials as a key member of integrated multi-disciplinary project teams. You will work in a matrix environment where initiative, close teamwork and influencing others is required.

The successful candidate will:

• Develop project strategies, including new project proposals


• Drive the exploration of novel drug discovery targets in close collaboration with other Idorsia scientists


• Develop cell and molecular tools, employing a wide range of assay technologies and state of the art methodologies


• Provide project teams with structure-activity relationship data


• Design and conduct mechanism-of-action and molecular pharmacological studies


• Establish in vitro disease models with primary and iPSC-derived CNS cells


• Work closely with pharmacology, chemistry, DMPK and translational science groups


• In cooperation with other team members, create clear project plans and resource estimates, update management on project progress


• Manage scientific associates by setting goals and providing coaching, feedback and support


• Write internal reports


• Establish and manage external collaborations with contract research organizations


• Display outstanding teamwork and communication skills

Candidate Requirements

• PhD in neuroscience.


• Dynamic scientist with proven track record of innovation and building strong collaborative working relationships.


• At least 7 years research experience since PhD graduation, including at least 4 years in the pharma industry.


• Broad experience in assay development, mechanism-of-action studies and disease modelling.


• Experience in working with CNS primary cell cultures.


• Good understanding of the molecular biology and pharmacological properties of receptors and ion channels.


• Expertise in ion channel assays and/or differentiation of iPSC-derived neurons would be an advantage.


• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.


• Ability to facilitate teamwork and strong cross-functional working relationships.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities.


• Skilled at analytical thinking, combined with a solution-orientated mindset.


• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.


• Fluency in English, additional knowledge of German or French is an advantage.

What Idorsia offers

• Exciting opportunities for development and professional growth within our dynamic organization: you can make a difference!


• A collaborative and solution-oriented environment.


• An innovative and open culture in a truly multicultural environment.


• A competitive salary and generous social benefits.

Work Location: Allschwil

Country: Switzerland

Business Area: Drug Discovery

Schedule: Fulltime

Job Type: Permanent

Job ID: 1166

If you are interested, please click on apply now.

Please be informed that if you are selected for this position, your employment will be subject to a pre-employment background screening process, of which you would be informed in greater detail in due course.

Please note Idorsia operates a strictly-controlled list of preferred recruitment partners. For those partners who have no valid, signed Master Service Agreement in place with Idorsia all unsolicited resumes, CVs, anonymous profiles, or any other candidate details submitted through our website or to personal e-mail accounts of employees of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals (including any of its subsidiaries, affiliates or related companies) are considered the property of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals and are not subject to payment of any form of introduction, placement or referral fees.