The Position

PhD Internship / RiSE - Investigating the lysosomal functionality via modulating lysosomal ion channel activity as novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders (12 months)

Who we are

 At Roche, 98.000 people across 150 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we`ve become one of the world`s leading research focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity, and on seeing each other`s differences as an advantage. To innovate healthcare, Roche has ambitious plans to keep learning and growing – and is seeking people who have the same goals for themselves.

At Roche, we believe it’s urgent to deliver medical solutions right now – even as we develop innovations for the future. We are passionate about transforming patients’ lives and we are fearless in both decision and action. And we believe that good business means a better world.

That is why we come to work every single day. We commit ourselves to scientific rigour, unassailable ethics, and access to medical innovations for all. We do this today to build a better tomorrow. 

The Position

The RiSE program (Roche Internships for Scientific Exchange) is a highly competitive student research program at Roche. It offers the most talented postgraduate PhD and medical degree students the opportunity to be fully integrated into our interdisciplinary and international industry R&D environment. As a RiSE student you will enhance your competencies, gain valuable work experience with us, and eventually become part of a world-wide network of RiSE Alumni.

The Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area (NRD DTA) is developing medicines for a range of serious neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, spinal muscular atrophy, and Huntington’s disease.

As RiSE student in the NRD DTA you will join our group in the Neurotechnology Section and perform at the Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland, focusing on the establishment of lysosomal functional assays to investigate the mechanism of actions through lysosomal ion channel modulation in neurodegenerative disease models. You will be hosted and mentored by a Roche scientist who will guide you through your research and provide you with the needed work infrastructure and collaborative network.

During the internship your tasks will include: 

• Phenotypic and functional characterization of iPSC-derived neuronal and glial cells and understanding the effect of pharmacological modifications on lysosomal function via lysosomal ion channel modulation.




• Design, preparation, and execution of experiments and data interpretation.




• Present your progress and data at internal meetings.




• High commitment to work with a proactive mindset and in close collaboration with the team and project members in order to effectively advance exploratory projects.

Who You Are

You’re someone who wants to influence your own development. You’re looking for a company where you have the opportunity to pursue your interests across functions and geographies. Where a job title is not considered the final definition of who you are, but the starting point.

Moreover you are/have:

• Enrolled in a PhD or medical degree program at a university and are looking to expand your experience with an industry internship




• Solid understanding of cell / molecular biology including lysosomal function and neurodegenerative disorders.




• Experience in pluripotent stem cell cultivation, in vitro differentiation towards neurons and glia, as well as cellular and molecular characterization thereof.




• Expert user of imaging tools such as confocal or high-content imaging with image analysis.




• Highly motivated individual eager to learn and establish cutting-edge techniques.




• Self-motivated and independent thinker with excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the desire to work in a fast-paced, cutting-edge environment.

Information about application documents and start date:

The preferred start date of the internship is March 2024 or upon availability.

Applications need to include a CV and a cover letter, as well as a letter from your academic supervisor supporting your application to the RiSE Program.

Please note that due to regulations non-EU/EFTA citizens have to provide a certificate from the university stating that an industry internship is mandatory as part of the university training.

Do you know what Roche stands for? Roche embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

If you still have questions, then please check our FAQs and videos on careers.roche.ch/faq

#RiSE

Who we are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

Basel is the headquarters of the Roche Group and one of its most important centres of pharmaceutical research. Over 10,700 employees from over 100 countries come together at our Basel/Kaiseraugst site, which is one of Roche`s largest sites. Read more.

Besides extensive development and training opportunities, we offer flexible working options, 18 weeks of maternity leave and 10 weeks of gender independent partnership leave. Our employees also benefit from multiple services on site such as child-care facilities, medical services, restaurants and cafeterias, as well as various employee events.

We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and strive to identify and create opportunities that enable all people to bring their unique selves to Roche.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.