M.Sc. Internship - in vitro Human Model Systems

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

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health issue affecting approximately 850 million people worldwide. Current treatments for CKD primarily focus on slowing the disease’s progression; however, many patients eventually progress to end-stage renal disease, where the only option is kidney replacement therapy. Studying CKD in vitro has been challenging due to the lack of robust model systems that accurately replicate the disease’s complexity.

In collaboration with the Roche Institute of Human Biology (IHB), our Cardio-Metabolic & Immunology department (CMI) is working on developing kidney organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to recreate kidney function in health and disease. Ultimately, the goal is to build an innovative human model system for integration at key stages of our Discovery Nephrology pipeline.

In this role, you will work in close collaboration with CMI and IHB scientists and you will

• Generate a scalable source of iPSC-derived kidney organoids,

• Establish culture conditions for kidney disease modeling,

• Perform phenotypic and molecular characterization of organoids utilizing cutting edge technologies,

• Contribute to a scientific publication.

Who you are

• You hold a bachelor's degree and are currently enrolled in an M.Sc. program or have graduated from an M.Sc. program within the past year in Biological Sciences (or related field)

• You have hands-on experience in cell culture methods.

• You are able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.

Due to regulations non-EU/EFTA citizens must provide a certificate from the university stating that an internship is mandatory as part of the application documents.

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.