About this opportunity
The Next Generation Scientist Program brings together Novartis and the University of Basel to host early stage researchers at the Novartis research site in Basel for an intensive three month internship from 1 June to 31 August 2027. Interns work on a scientific, clinical research or global health project agreed jointly with their Novartis mentor, and the programme pairs that research experience with a leadership development track.
The programme is written for students currently enrolled in a MSc, PhD or MD degree at a university in a low or middle income country, which opens the door for many Nigerian and African graduate researchers. Therapeutic areas span cardiovascular disease, oncology, infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue, and sickle cell disease, while functional areas include drug discovery, clinical operations, bioinformatics, data analytics and AI, patient engagement and global health.
Novartis provides a monthly stipend to cover incidentals and basic living expenses for the duration of the stay. The published vacancy does not state the stipend amount, and it does not confirm whether airfare, accommodation, visa fees or health insurance are covered, so applicants should verify those details directly with the programme before making travel plans.
Applications run through the official Novartis Careers vacancy on requisition REQ-10089124, with a closing date of 15 November 2026. Places are limited and review is competitive, so candidates should apply well before the
Application timeline
with a CV that shows active research involvement and strong English communication.
What you receive
- Three month research internship at the Novartis research site in Basel, Switzerland from 1 June to 31 August 2027
- A monthly stipend covering incidentals and basic living expenses
- A jointly agreed scientific, clinical research or global health project with a Novartis mentor
- Exposure to advanced research methodologies and leading experts across therapeutic and functional fields
- A leadership development programme alongside the research placement
- Experience designed to be carried back and applied within the intern home institution
Who can apply
- Currently enrolled as an MSc, PhD or MD student at a university in a low or middle income country
- Strong verbal and written English communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in groups
- Good time management and organisational skills
- Expected active participation in all programme and training activities
- Preferred fields of study include translational science, clinical development, cardiovascular disease, oncology, infectious diseases, sickle cell disease, drug discovery, clinical operations, bioinformatics, data analytics, AI, patient engagement and global health
Who should not apply
- Students enrolled only at institutions in high income countries fall outside the stated scope of the programme
Documents to prepare
- A CV submitted through the Novartis Careers application portal
- Details confirming current enrolment in an MSc, PhD or MD programme in a low or middle income country
How to apply
- Open the official Novartis Careers vacancy for Next Generation Scientist 2027, requisition REQ-10089124
- Create or sign in to a candidate account on the vacancy page
- Complete the application form and attach your CV and enrolment details
- Submit before the closing date of 15 November 2026
Selection process
- Applications are reviewed against the stated requirements through the Novartis Careers recruitment process
- Shortlisted candidates are contacted by the programme team, with placement hosted jointly with the University of Basel
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
How long is the programme and when does it run?
The internship runs for three months, from 1 June to 31 August 2027, at the Novartis research site in Basel, Switzerland.
Which students can apply?
Students enrolled in an MSc, PhD or MD programme at a university in a low or middle income country. The published vacancy does not list individual eligible countries, so applicants should confirm their institution country sits within the programme scope.
Is there an application fee?
No. The vacancy sits on the Novartis Careers portal and applications are free.
What financial support is provided?
Novartis provides a monthly stipend to cover incidentals and basic living expenses. The stipend amount, and coverage for travel, accommodation, visa and insurance, are not stated in the vacancy and should be confirmed with the programme.
Important disclaimer
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