Novartis Next Generation Scientist Internship 2026

The Next Generation Scientist Program is an intensive internship program for talented and motivated research scientists from low- and middle-income countries. The 3-month program (01 June to 31 August 2026), hosted at our research site in Basel, Switzerland, is designed to foster both their scientific and professional development and consists of classroom sessions, group work assignments and active individual contribution. Guided by Novartis mentors, the interns work on a jointly agreed upon, pre-competitive scientific or clinical research project. Additionally, they learn about the pharmaceutical drug discovery and development process as well as participate in a leadership development program designed to enhance decision-making and communication skills.

The internship program is run jointly by Novartis and the University of Basel.

The Next Generation Scientist Program aims to build scientific and leadership capability in low- and middle-income countries by enhancing the skills of local scientists and by facilitating the knowledge transfer to their wider scientific communities upon their return home. An internship is possible in any of the broad range of therapeutic areas in which Novartis is involved; scientists with backgrounds and interests in malaria, dengue, cryptosporidiosis, visceral leishmaniasis, leprosy, sickle cell disease or Chagas disease are encouraged to apply.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
2. Value: Fully Funded
3. Study Level: MSc, PhD, MD
4. Sponsor: Novartis AG
5. Country to Study: Switzerland
6. Program Type: Internship
7. Eligible Country: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for Novartis Next Generation Scientist Internship 2026

1. Enrolled at university as MSc, PhD or MD student in a geography of scope (low- and middle-income country)
2. Preferred field of studies: Natural and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine, and related fields of study
3. Research background in malaria, dengue, cryptosporidiosis, visceral leishmaniasis, leprosy, sickle cell disease or Chagas disease preferred
4. Active participation in all programs and training activities is expected
5. Good verbal and written English communication skills
6. Ability to work independently and in groups
7. Time management and good organizational skills

Selection Process

Duration and dates: 12-week program from 01 June to 31 August 2026; on-site Basel Campus, Switzerland

Benefits of Novartis Next Generation Scientist Internship 2026

Research infrastructure and training:

1. All necessary equipment, training, and operational needs (e.g, computers, supplies, and reagents) will be provided to support investigation of a jointly agreed upon, pre-competitive (non-proprietary) scientific question or challenge.

Travel, accommodation & visa: Novartis will provide

1. Round-trip economy class airfare
2. Student accommodation for the duration of the project
3. Application for educational visas to the Swiss authorities on behalf of the selected participants

Stipend and health insurance: Novartis will provide health insurance and a monthly stipend to cover incidentals and basic living expenses

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Novartis AG on www.novartis.com to apply

Please make sure to add the following documents to your application, combined in one PDF file:

• CV or résumé

• Letter of recommendation/support from a faculty member

• Letter of motivation how the program will benefit you

• Research question of interest

• Current MSc or PhD research proposal

• Academic transcripts/grade reports

Application Deadline

October 31, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Novartis Next Generation Scientist Internship 2026