ZOOM@Novartis
ZOOM@Novartis is a mentoring program of the University of Basel in cooperation with Novartis. It is aimed at highly qualified doctoral students at the University of Basel.
NEW:
Please note that from 2026 onwards, only applications from doctoral students will be considered, and no longer from postdoctoral researchers (as in previous years).
Description
The program offers you an enriching opportunity to take an indepth look at career prospects in the world of business and science, and also to gain an insight into a global corporation. An experienced executive at Novartis will accompany you throughout the program and coach you on career questions and career development, as well as on networking and reconciling family and career. You will develop important skills and the knowledge you need for a career outside academia through exclusive workshops on understanding your strength, job application training, including simulated job interviews, and a mentee-led session. In addition, you will get an insight into innovative research activities.
Admission Requirements
You are a female doctoral student in the middle or the last third of your qualification phase at the University of Basel and want to optimize your skills profile and actively plan your career. You are interested in career guidance and want to find out about career pathways in industry.
Gender
The program is trans-inclusive.
Application and Condition of Participation
You can apply via the application sheet starting December 1st, 2025 until January 12th, 2026. A definitive decision on your admission will be made by February 16th, 2026 at the latest.
The selection is made by the Diversity & Inclusion Unit. Matching with the mentors is done together with Novartis. The following categories will be evaluated for selection: CV, publications, motivation, timing, overall impression and outstanding points.
In principle, attendance is required at all program elements. Failure to attend may result in exclusion from the program. Exceptions are permitted only in consultation with the program manager.
Please kindly note that this program can help you build up your skills, establish a network and ease a potential transition to industry, but it does not guarantee a position at Novartis afterwards.
ZOOM@Novartis 2027: The next call will be published in early December 2026.
Program Content
ZOOM@Novartis consists of the two main elements mentorship and workshops. A kick-off and a closing round off the program.
Mentorship
An experienced executive at Novartis will accompany you throughout the program and advise you on career questions and development, as well as on networking and reconciling family and career. As part of this process, mentors help to open doors by putting you in touch with other interesting figures both inside and outside the company.
Workshops
Kick-off Event with Mentors
This joint session with mentors and mentees event will provide you with an overview of Novartis and our business, an overview of the program zoom@novartis including details of the workshops and time with the other mentees and mentors.
It’s all about your Strengths
Understanding your strengths unlocks your potential and leads you to greater performance. In this workshop, we will apply the CliftonStrengths Assessment to lay out your unique, fulfilling path to success. The workshop will be led by an external coach.
Innovative Research & Development @Novartis
This workshop provides a more detailed review of research at Novartis, our portfolio, how we develop new products and potential career opportunities in Research and in drug development.
Mentee-led Session
This is an event where you design the workshop content based on your interests and needs as a group and you are in the lead for its implementation.
Job Interview Training
This workshop helps you establish whether you are ready to apply for your next position, confirm your brand and negotiate your next assignment. You will be provided with great learning opportunities to interact with HR professionals ‐ experts who work on your individual application skills, and ensure that you are ready.
Closing Event
This joint session with mentors and mentees is to celebrate the end of the program and to share experiences.
Agenda ZOOM@Novartis 2026
March 5th
Kick-off Event with Mentors & Lunch, 9:00-13:00
March 17th
Innovative Research & Development @Novartis, 9:00-12:00
April 16th
Workshop: It’s all about your Strengths, 9:00-12:15
June 3rd
Exchange on Networking & Speed Mentoring, 9:30-12:00
September 17th
Mentee-led Session, 9:00-12:00
October 19th
Job Interview Training ONLINE, 9:00-12:00
December 8th
Closing Event with Mentors & Lunch, 10:30-13:00
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Dr. Julia Bzzi
Project Leader Diversity & Inclusion
