Roche fosters diversity, equity and inclusion, representing the communities we serve. When dealing with healthcare on a global scale, diversity is an essential ingredient to success. We believe that inclusion is key to understanding people’s varied healthcare needs. Together, we embrace individuality and share a passion for exceptional care. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

PhD Internship / RiSE prgram in Neuroscience – Axonal Transport (12 months)

RiSE (Roche Internships for Scientific Exchange) is a student research program that offers to talented PhD students at the end of their post-graduate education 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 Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), autism, and Huntington’s disease.

As a RiSE student in the NRD DTA you will join our group in the Neurogenomics Section, and work at the Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland, to study axonal transport in ALS in vitro 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:
● Conduct laboratory research within a small team composed of scientists and research associates
● Culture iPSCs and differentiate them into spinal MotorNeurons
● Grow neurons in microfluidic chambers
● Perform immunohistochemical and FISH experiments
● Image analysis and interpretation
● Present your progress at internal meetings
● Summarize your work and draft a publication

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 (your PhD defense doesn't take place in the first half of the internship)
● Experience in neuronal in vitro models and with immunostainings and FISH is an advantage
● Experience with confocal imaging and in image analysis with microfluidic chips for cell culture is an advantage

Information about application documents and start date:
The preferred start date of the internship is October/November 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.

#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.