Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027: Research Internship in Switzerland for MSc, PhD and MD Students from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027, offered by Novartis in collaboration with the University of Basel, is inviting talented and motivated research scientists from low- and middle-income countries to apply for an intensive three-month research internship in Basel, Switzerland. The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ scientific knowledge, research capabilities and professional development through practical experience at a leading pharmaceutical research site.

Running from 1 June to 31 August 2027, the programme provides selected participants with an opportunity to work on a scientific, clinical research or global health project agreed upon jointly with their Novartis mentors. Interns will also participate in a leadership development programme and gain exposure to advanced research methodologies and experts working across relevant scientific and healthcare fields.

The opportunity is intended for university students enrolled in master’s (MSc), doctoral (PhD) or medical (MD) programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Applicants should have strong English communication skills, good organisational and time-management abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively.

Novartis will provide a monthly stipend to help cover incidental costs and basic living expenses during the programme. However, the supplied announcement does not specify the stipend amount or confirm whether additional expenses, such as international travel, visa fees, accommodation or health insurance, are covered.

The application deadline is 15 November 2026. Eligible students interested in pharmaceutical research, clinical development, global health, bioinformatics, data analytics, artificial intelligence and related fields should review the official Novartis vacancy and its requirements before applying.

Overview of the Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027

• Programme name: Next Generation Scientist Program 2027
• Organisers: Novartis and the University of Basel
• Opportunity location: Basel, Switzerland
• Research host: Novartis research site in Basel
• Programme duration: Three months
• Programme dates: 1 June–31 August 2027
• Opportunity type: Research internship
• Target applicants: MSc, PhD and MD students enrolled at universities in low- and middle-income countries
• Research focus: Scientific research, clinical development, translational science and global health
• Financial support: Monthly stipend to help cover incidental costs and basic living expenses
• Professional development: Research mentorship and leadership development
• Application deadline: 15 November 2026
• Job requisition ID: REQ-10089124
• Official application platform: Novartis Careers

The programme combines scientific research experience with professional development. Selected interns will work with Novartis mentors on agreed research projects and participate in activities intended to strengthen their scientific and professional capabilities.

Applicants should note that the programme is designed for students enrolled in qualifying degree programmes in low- and middle-income countries. The official announcement does not specify a comprehensive list of eligible countries or clarify every possible interpretation of the geographical eligibility requirement.

About the Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program

The Next Generation Scientist Program is a three-month research initiative designed to support the scientific and professional development of promising research scientists from low- and middle-income countries.

Hosted at the Novartis research site in Basel, Switzerland, the programme gives selected participants the opportunity to engage with scientific and clinical research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors.

The initiative recognises the importance of developing research expertise that can contribute to scientific advancement and address health challenges in different settings. By bringing participants into a research environment with access to advanced methodologies and experienced professionals, the programme seeks to strengthen their technical knowledge and professional capabilities.

An important feature of the programme is its emphasis on applying acquired knowledge and expertise within participants’ home institutions. The experience is therefore intended not only to support individual development but also to help participants bring relevant research approaches and scientific knowledge back to their own academic or professional environments.

The programme also includes a leadership development component. This allows scientific development to be complemented by opportunities to strengthen professional skills that are relevant to research collaboration, project organisation and future leadership responsibilities.

What Does the Programme Offer?

The Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027 combines practical research experience, mentorship, exposure to advanced scientific methods, financial support and leadership development.

1. Practical research experience at Novartis

Selected participants will undertake research at the Novartis research site in Basel, Switzerland.

Interns will work on a scientific, clinical research or global health project agreed upon jointly with their Novartis mentors. This arrangement is intended to connect the participant’s research interests and the project’s objectives.

Working on a defined project can help interns develop a deeper understanding of research processes, scientific problem-solving and the practical application of specialised knowledge.

The programme’s research areas span several therapeutic and functional fields, giving applicants with different scientific interests an opportunity to identify areas relevant to their backgrounds.

The supplied announcement does not list individual projects or guarantee placement in a particular research area. Applicants should consult the official vacancy and any additional programme information for further details.

2. Mentorship from Novartis researchers

The programme provides guidance from Novartis mentors who will work with interns on jointly agreed research projects.

Mentorship can be important in helping early-career researchers understand research expectations, approach scientific questions systematically and navigate the practical challenges of working on a research project.

Through this arrangement, participants can receive guidance while developing their scientific and professional skills.

The announcement does not specify the names of individual mentors, the exact mentoring schedule or the number of hours of direct supervision. These details should be confirmed through official programme communications where available.

3. Exposure to advanced research methodologies

Selected scientists will be exposed to state-of-the-art methodologies and leading experts in their fields.

This is a central feature of the programme because scientific research increasingly depends on specialised methods, technical tools and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Depending on the assigned project, participants may gain experience relevant to their research area and learn how advanced methods are applied in scientific, clinical or global health contexts.

The programme aims to help participants develop knowledge and expertise that can be applied within their home institutions after the internship.

4. Leadership development

In addition to research activities, the programme includes a leadership development programme.

This component recognises that successful scientific careers require more than technical knowledge alone. Researchers may also need skills in communication, collaboration, organisation and professional leadership.

The announcement does not provide a detailed curriculum for the leadership programme. Nevertheless, its inclusion means that professional development is an explicit component of the internship alongside scientific research.

5. Monthly stipend for basic living expenses

Novartis will provide selected interns with a monthly stipend to help cover incidental costs and basic living expenses.

This financial support can assist participants during the three-month internship in Basel.

However, applicants should not assume that the stipend covers every cost associated with international participation. The supplied announcement does not specify:

• The monthly stipend amount.
• Whether international airfare is covered.
• Whether accommodation is provided or funded separately.
• Whether visa application fees are covered.
• Whether health insurance is included.
• Whether relocation or other travel-related costs are reimbursed.

Candidates should verify these details before accepting an offer or making travel arrangements.

6. Professional and scientific development

The combination of research work, mentorship, advanced methodologies and leadership training is intended to support participants’ broader development as scientists.

Interns can use the programme to strengthen their understanding of scientific research and explore how their expertise relates to clinical development, translational science, global health and other relevant fields.

For students who intend to pursue research careers, this type of experience may also help them clarify their research interests and identify areas for further professional development.

The programme does not guarantee future employment at Novartis or admission to another academic programme.

Research Areas in the Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027

The programme welcomes research interests across a broad range of Novartis therapeutic and functional areas. These include translational science, clinical development and global health.

Applicants should examine the research areas carefully and consider how their academic background, current studies and research interests align with the programme’s focus.

1. Translational science

Translational science connects scientific discoveries with their potential applications in healthcare and clinical practice.

Research in this area can involve examining how findings from laboratory or other scientific investigations can inform the development of approaches intended to improve health outcomes.

For applicants interested in translating scientific knowledge into practical healthcare applications, this is one of the programme’s identified research areas.

The announcement does not specify the individual translational science projects that will be available in the 2027 cohort.

2. Clinical development

Clinical development is another preferred area of study within the programme.

This field concerns the research and development processes through which potential medical interventions are investigated and evaluated.

Students interested in clinical research may find the programme relevant to their academic or professional goals, particularly if their interests involve clinical research processes or the development of healthcare interventions.

The precise responsibilities of individual interns will depend on the project agreed upon with their mentors.

3. Global health

Global health is a key area of interest within the programme.

It involves research and initiatives addressing health challenges that affect populations across countries and regions. These challenges can require scientific knowledge, clinical research, data analysis and an understanding of the wider contexts in which health interventions are developed and implemented.

The programme’s global health focus is relevant to students interested in research that may contribute to addressing health needs in different settings.

The announcement specifically includes scientific publications and community health initiatives among the functional areas associated with global health.

Therapeutic Areas Covered by the Programme

The programme identifies several therapeutic areas that may be relevant to the research opportunities available.

These include cardiovascular diseases, oncology, infectious diseases and sickle cell disease.

1. Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are among the therapeutic areas identified in the announcement.

Students with relevant research interests may consider how their academic background connects to scientific or clinical questions in this field.

The announcement does not specify individual cardiovascular research projects or guarantee that a placement in this area will be available.

2. Oncology: Breast and prostate cancer

Oncology is another area of interest, with the announcement specifically mentioning breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Applicants interested in cancer research may consider how their existing research experience, technical skills or academic studies relate to these therapeutic areas.

The programme may involve scientific or clinical research depending on the available projects, but applicants should confirm the precise opportunities through the official vacancy information.

3. Infectious diseases

The programme identifies several infectious diseases as relevant research areas:

• Malaria.
• Dengue.
• Cryptosporidiosis.
• Leishmaniasis.
• Chagas disease.
• Leprosy.

These conditions represent a range of infectious disease challenges relevant to scientific and global health research.

Applicants whose studies focus on infectious diseases may wish to review whether their expertise aligns with the projects available through the programme.

The announcement does not provide a separate project description for each disease.

4. Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease is also listed as a therapeutic area.

Applicants with relevant interests in the scientific, clinical or broader health aspects of this condition may consider the programme as a potential research development opportunity.

As with the other therapeutic areas, the availability of a specific project will depend on the programme’s research needs and the placement process.

Functional Areas and Technical Research Opportunities

In addition to therapeutic areas, the programme identifies several functional areas. These cover different aspects of scientific research, clinical development, data analysis and engagement with patients and communities.

1. Drug discovery and clinical research

Drug discovery and clinical research are identified functional areas.

These fields are relevant to scientific processes involved in investigating potential treatments and studying their application in clinical settings.

Applicants with backgrounds aligned with these fields should consider how their previous studies and research experience relate to the programme’s objectives.

2. Clinical operations

Clinical operations is another functional area listed in the announcement.

It relates to the operational aspects of clinical research activities. Applicants interested in clinical research processes and their practical organisation may wish to explore this area.

The announcement does not provide a detailed list of clinical operations duties or project responsibilities for interns.

3. Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics combines biological knowledge with computational and analytical approaches to work with biological data.

It is an identified functional area in the programme, making the opportunity potentially relevant to students whose academic or research interests involve computational biology, biological data analysis or related disciplines.

Candidates should assess whether their technical background and current studies align with the available projects.

4. Data analytics and artificial intelligence

Data analytics and artificial intelligence are among the programme’s stated functional areas.

These fields are increasingly relevant to research environments that use data-driven methods to investigate scientific questions, analyse information and support decision-making.

Applicants with relevant interests or experience in statistics, computational methods, data analysis or AI may wish to explore the programme’s opportunities in these areas.

The announcement does not specify particular software packages, programming languages, AI systems or minimum technical proficiency levels for these placements. Applicants should consult any project-specific information available through Novartis Careers.

5. Patient engagement and advocacy

The programme also identifies patient engagement and advocacy as a functional area.

This field focuses on the involvement of patients and relevant stakeholders in activities connected to healthcare and research.

Applicants interested in the relationship between research, patients and healthcare systems may find this area relevant to their academic or professional interests.

The announcement does not provide details of individual patient engagement projects.

6. Global health: Scientific publications and community health initiatives

The global health functional area includes scientific publications and community health initiatives.

Scientific publications can play an important role in communicating research findings and contributing to scientific knowledge. Community health initiatives, meanwhile, connect health-related activities with communities and their needs.

Students interested in research communication or community-focused health work may wish to consider how their experience aligns with these areas.

The programme does not guarantee that every listed functional area will be available to every applicant. Placement depends on the research project and the programme’s requirements.

Who Can Apply for the Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027?

The programme is intended for talented and motivated research scientists who are enrolled in qualifying university programmes in low- and middle-income countries.

The official announcement specifies the following minimum requirements.

1. Applicants must be enrolled in an MSc, PhD or MD programme

Applicants must be enrolled at a university as one of the following:

• A master’s student pursuing an MSc.
• A doctoral student pursuing a PhD.
• A medical student pursuing an MD.

The announcement specifies these student categories. It does not state that graduates who are no longer enrolled in one of these programmes qualify solely on the basis of a previously completed degree.

Applicants should ensure that their current enrolment status meets the programme’s requirement.

2. Applicants must be studying in a low- or middle-income country

The programme is designed for research scientists from low- and middle-income countries.

The minimum requirements state that applicants must be enrolled at a university in a country within the programme’s geographical scope.

The supplied announcement does not provide a complete list of eligible countries or define the specific country-classification reference used for this application cycle.

Applicants should therefore verify whether their country and university meet the official eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

3. Applicants must demonstrate advanced English communication skills

Candidates must have advanced verbal and written English communication skills.

This requirement is important because interns will be participating in research activities, working with mentors and engaging in programme and training activities.

Applicants should be prepared to communicate research ideas clearly, understand instructions and participate effectively in professional and scientific discussions.

The announcement does not specify an accepted English-language test or minimum score.

4. Applicants must be able to work independently and in groups

The programme requires candidates to be capable of working both independently and collaboratively.

Research projects may require participants to manage assigned tasks while coordinating with mentors and other colleagues.

Applicants should therefore consider how their academic, research or professional experiences demonstrate their ability to take responsibility for their work and contribute constructively to collaborative activities.

The announcement does not prescribe a specific form of evidence for these abilities.

5. Applicants must have good time-management and organisational skills

Good time management and organisational skills are among the stated minimum requirements.

The programme lasts three months and combines research work with participation in programme and training activities.

Successful participants must be able to manage their responsibilities, organise their work and meet agreed expectations during the internship.

6. Applicants are expected to participate actively in all programme activities

The announcement states that active participation in all programme and training activities is expected.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to commit to the full programme period and engage in both research and professional development activities.

The programme is not simply an opportunity to visit a research site or observe scientific work. It involves active participation in the agreed project and associated training.

How to Apply for the Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027

Applications are submitted through the official Novartis Careers platform.

The vacancy is listed under the title Next Generation Scientist 2027, with job requisition ID REQ-10089124.

Step 1: Visit the official Novartis Careers website

Open the official Novartis Careers platform and search for the vacancy titled Next Generation Scientist 2027.

Use the job requisition ID REQ-10089124 to help identify the correct listing.

Step 2: Review the eligibility requirements

Before beginning the application, confirm that you are enrolled in an MSc, PhD or MD programme at a university in a qualifying low- or middle-income country.

Review the English-language, organisational, time-management and teamwork requirements.

If you are unsure whether your country or university meets the programme’s geographical requirement, seek clarification through the official recruitment channel.

Step 3: Identify your research interests

Consider how your studies and research interests align with the programme’s therapeutic and functional areas.

Relevant areas include translational science, clinical development, global health, drug discovery, clinical research, bioinformatics, data analytics, AI, patient engagement and scientific publications.

Applicants should review the available vacancy information and any additional project descriptions before deciding how best to present their interests.

Step 4: Prepare your application information

The supplied announcement does not provide a complete list of application documents or a detailed checklist of required attachments.

Candidates should therefore follow the requirements shown in the official online application rather than assume that a particular CV format, research proposal, recommendation letter or transcript is mandatory.

Where requested, ensure that your academic background, current enrolment, research experience and relevant skills are presented accurately.

Step 5: Submit the online application

Use the official application link on Novartis Careers to access the vacancy and follow the instructions provided by the recruitment platform.

Check that the correct position is selected and that all required sections have been completed before submitting.

Step 6: Apply before the deadline

The application deadline is 15 November 2026.

Candidates should submit their applications before the closing date and check the official listing for the applicable submission time and any updated information.

Step 7: Prepare for the programme dates

The internship is scheduled to take place from 1 June to 31 August 2027 in Basel, Switzerland.

Applicants should consider their academic calendars and other responsibilities to ensure that they can participate during the full programme period if selected.

They should also seek clarification about travel, accommodation, visa requirements and the financial arrangements before making commitments.

Start Your Application HERE

Application Deadline and Important Dates

The official vacancy lists the following programme dates:

Item	Details
Application deadline	15 November 2026
Programme start date	1 June 2027
Programme end date	31 August 2027
Duration	Three months
Location	Basel, Switzerland
Job requisition ID	REQ-10089124

The application deadline should be checked against the live Novartis Careers listing in case the vacancy details are updated.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to review the requirements and submit their applications.

Monthly Stipend and Other Financial Considerations

Novartis states that it will provide a monthly stipend to help cover incidental costs and basic living expenses during the internship.

This support is an important feature of the programme, particularly for participants travelling to Switzerland from low- and middle-income countries.

However, the announcement does not provide a specific stipend amount or a complete breakdown of eligible expenses.

Before accepting a placement, applicants should clarify:

• The amount of the monthly stipend.
• Whether accommodation is provided or must be arranged independently.
• Whether international airfare is covered.
• Whether visa application fees are covered.
• Whether health insurance is provided or required separately.
• Whether local transportation expenses are covered.
• Any other costs that participants must pay themselves.

The absence of these details from the supplied announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation that the expenses are covered or excluded. Candidates should seek clarification through official Novartis communications.

Why the Programme May Be Valuable for Researchers from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The programme is specifically designed to support the scientific and professional development of researchers from low- and middle-income countries.

Research capacity, access to advanced methodologies and opportunities for professional development can vary across institutions and settings. A structured internship at an international research site can give selected participants an opportunity to learn new approaches and gain experience in a different research environment.

The programme’s emphasis on applying acquired knowledge within participants’ home institutions is particularly relevant.

Developing research skills

Interns can strengthen their understanding of scientific research through work on an agreed project with a Novartis mentor.

The practical nature of the placement may help participants connect their academic knowledge with the processes and methods used in a professional research environment.

Expanding scientific perspectives

Exposure to state-of-the-art methodologies and leading experts can help participants understand approaches used in their fields and consider how these approaches relate to their existing research interests.

The extent of this exposure will depend on the assigned project and the programme activities.

Strengthening professional development

The leadership development component provides an additional dimension to the research experience.

For students preparing for future roles in scientific research, clinical research or global health, professional development can complement technical knowledge and support their longer-term growth.

Applying knowledge at home institutions

The programme aims to ensure that the knowledge and expertise gained can be applied within participants’ home institutions.

This emphasis encourages participants to consider how their learning may be relevant beyond the internship itself.

The announcement does not specify a formal post-internship knowledge-transfer requirement, research output target or commitment to return to a particular institution. Applicants should confirm any additional expectations in the official programme documentation.

Important Advice Before Applying

Prospective applicants should review the following considerations before submitting an application.

Confirm your enrolment status. The programme specifies current MSc, PhD or MD students. Applicants should ensure that their enrolment satisfies the stated requirements.

Verify geographical eligibility. The announcement refers to low- and middle-income countries but does not include a complete eligible-country list. Confirm the status of your country and university.

Assess your research fit. Review the listed therapeutic and functional areas and consider how your studies and research interests align with the available opportunities.

Check your English communication skills. The programme expects advanced written and verbal English skills.

Plan for active participation. Interns must participate in programme and training activities and work on their agreed research projects.

Clarify the financial arrangements. The announcement confirms a monthly stipend but does not state its amount or confirm coverage of international travel, accommodation, visa fees or insurance.

Plan for the full three months. The programme runs from 1 June to 31 August 2027 in Basel, Switzerland. Consider academic commitments, travel documentation and other practical requirements.

Apply through the official channel. Use Novartis Careers and identify the correct vacancy using requisition ID REQ-10089124.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027?

It is a three-month research internship offered by Novartis and the University of Basel for talented and motivated research scientists from low- and middle-income countries.

2. When will the internship take place?

The programme runs from 1 June to 31 August 2027.

3. Where is the programme hosted?

The internship is hosted at the Novartis research site in Basel, Switzerland.

4. Who is eligible to apply?

The minimum requirements specify students enrolled in MSc, PhD or MD programmes at universities in low- and middle-income countries. Applicants must have advanced English communication skills, be able to work independently and collaboratively, possess good organisational and time-management skills, and participate actively in programme activities.

5. Which research areas are included?

The programme identifies translational science, clinical development and global health as preferred fields. Therapeutic areas include cardiovascular diseases, oncology, infectious diseases and sickle cell disease. Functional areas include drug discovery, clinical research, clinical operations, bioinformatics, data analytics, AI, patient engagement, scientific publications and community health initiatives.

6. Is the programme paid?

Novartis will provide a monthly stipend to help cover incidental costs and basic living expenses. The supplied announcement does not state the stipend amount.

7. Does the programme cover flights and accommodation?

The supplied announcement does not confirm whether international airfare or accommodation is covered. Applicants should seek clarification directly through the official recruitment process.

8. Is English proficiency required?

Yes. Advanced verbal and written English communication skills are listed among the minimum requirements.

9. Can graduates who are no longer enrolled apply?

The supplied announcement specifies applicants enrolled as MSc, PhD or MD students. It does not confirm eligibility for applicants who have already completed their studies and are no longer enrolled.

10. What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 15 November 2026.

11. How do I apply?

Visit the official Novartis Careers platform, search for Next Generation Scientist 2027, identify requisition REQ-10089124 and follow the online application instructions.

12. Does the programme guarantee a job at Novartis after completion?

No such guarantee is stated in the announcement. The programme is designed to provide research and professional development experience, not to promise subsequent employment.

Click HERE to learn more about the Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027.

Conclusion

The Novartis Next Generation Scientist Program 2027 offers a valuable research development opportunity for eligible MSc, PhD and MD students from low- and middle-income countries who want to strengthen their scientific expertise and professional skills.

Hosted at the Novartis research site in Basel, Switzerland, the three-month internship will run from 1 June to 31 August 2027. Selected participants will work with Novartis mentors on jointly agreed scientific, clinical research or global health projects and participate in a leadership development programme.

The programme covers a wide range of therapeutic and functional research areas, including cardiovascular diseases, oncology, infectious diseases, sickle cell disease, drug discovery, clinical research, bioinformatics, data analytics, artificial intelligence and global health. It also provides exposure to advanced research methodologies and leading experts, with the aim of helping participants apply the knowledge and expertise gained within their home institutions.

Novartis will provide a monthly stipend to assist with incidental costs and basic living expenses. Applicants should nevertheless verify the amount of the stipend and whether travel, accommodation, visa fees, insurance and other expenses are covered.

Candidates must meet the programme’s enrolment and geographical requirements, demonstrate advanced English communication skills, be able to work independently and collaboratively, and participate actively in all programme activities.

The application deadline is 15 November 2026. Interested students should visit the official Novartis Careers website, locate the vacancy using requisition ID REQ-10089124 and follow the application instructions before the deadline.

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