About the opportunity
The Next Generation Scientist Program 2027, a collaboration between Novartis and the University of Basel, is an intensive 3-month internship designed for talented research scientists from low- and middle-income countries. Running from June 1 to August 31, 2027, at the Novartis research site in Basel, Switzerland, the program fosters scientific and professional growth. Interns work on agreed-upon scientific, clinical research, or global health projects under the guidance of Novartis mentors and participate in a leadership development program. The initiative aims to expose participants to state-of-the-art methodologies and leading experts, ensuring that the knowledge gained can be effectively applied within their home institutions.
Salary and benefits
- Monthly stipend provided to cover incidentals and basic living expenses
- Mentorship from Novartis experts
- Participation in a leadership development program
- Exposure to state-of-the-art research methodologies and clinical development practices
Who can apply?
- Must be enrolled at a university as an MSc, PhD, or MD student
- Must be from a low- or middle-income country
- Advanced verbal and written English communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in groups
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Commitment to active participation in all program and training activities
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-15
How to apply
- Submit an application through the official Novartis Careers portal
Additional information
- Program duration: 01 June 2027 to 31 August 2027
- Preferred fields include translational science, clinical development, global health, bioinformatics, data analytics, and AI
- Therapeutic areas include cardiovascular diseases, oncology, infectious diseases, and sickle cell disease
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for graduate-level researchers (MSc, PhD, MD) from low- and middle-income countries seeking international exposure in a top-tier pharmaceutical environment.
- Well-suited for individuals with a strong interest in global health, clinical operations, or translational science who want to apply new methodologies in their home countries.
- Excellent for those looking to combine hands-on scientific research with structured leadership and professional development training.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program is a fixed-term, 3-month commitment; applicants must ensure this aligns with their current academic or research schedule.
- While a stipend is provided for living expenses, applicants should be prepared for the logistics of relocating to Basel, Switzerland, for the duration of the summer.
- The program is highly specific to students from low- and middle-income countries; eligibility is strictly tied to this geographic requirement.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program is a powerful bridge for early-career scientists to gain global experience and high-level mentorship without interrupting their long-term academic progress. It provides a unique opportunity to build a professional network within a global pharmaceutical company while focusing on research that has real-world applications in global health and clinical development.
Our take
Graduate students from low- and middle-income countries who are passionate about clinical research and global health should strongly consider this opportunity. It is a well-structured, fully-funded internship that offers significant professional development and networking value for those looking to make an impact in their home research communities.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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