Internship/Master’s project for Biology or Biochemistry students - mitochondrial phenotype analysis in neurodegenerative disease models

Job content

The PositionIn Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development organization (pRED ), we make transformative medicines for patients in order to tackle some of the world’s toughest unmet healthcare needs. At pRED, we are united by our mission to transform science into medicines. Together, we create a culture defined by curiosity, responsibility and humility, where our talented people are empowered and inspired to bring forward extraordinary life-changing innovation at speed.Within Roche’s Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience & Rare Diseases (NRD) represents a major focus area where we are committed to realizing our long-term vision of changing lives of patients with severe brain disorders. Our preclinical research and early clinical development activities center around large and rare indications within the four major pillars of neurodevelopmental disorders, movement disorders, dementias, and multiple sclerosis. With unparalleled strengths across diverse disciplines, Roche is uniquely positioned to lead in transforming science to medicines for patients with disorders of the nervous system. This position is located in the Exploratory Neurobiology Section within the Neuroscience and Rare Diseases (NRD) in Basel, Switzerland. The Exploratory Neurobiology Section focuses on understanding the pathomechanisms related to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and the development of novel therapeutics.Job missionWe are looking for a highly motivated intern (currently enrolled in a Bachelor/Master program, or recently graduated) with high interest and determination to improve the lives of patients suffering from devastating neurodegenerative disorders. You will benefit from the supervision of experienced scientists focusing on the establishment of mitochondrial functional assays to investigate the mitochondria phenotype in neurodegenerative disease models. You will have the opportunity to join a world-leading industry setting and contribute to changing the lives of patients. You will be part of an existing research lab and have the full opportunity to work in close collaboration with multidisciplinary experts to reach all together our goal to provide patients with innovative, safe and life changing treatments.During the internship your tasks will include:

• Phenotypic and functional characterization of iPSC-derived neuronal and glial cells and understanding the effect of pharmacological or genetic modifications on mitochondrial function
• 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

Your profileYou’re someone who wants to influence your own development. You enjoy teamwork, diligence and efficiency. You show initiative, organize multiple tasks effectively and take pride in delivering results of high quality. You are looking for a company where you receive the opportunity to pursue your interests across functions and geographies. Working in a multicultural environment motivates you.Must have:

• A biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or molecular biology student enrolled in a Master degree program, or you are a recent graduate from a Master program (within 12 months)
• Solid understanding of cell / molecular biology including mitochondrial / lysosomal function
• 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

Desirable:

• Practical experiences with mammalian cell culture and AAV viral vectors
• 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 for example confocal or high-content imaging with image analysis

Duration: 6 month, except if an internship of a longer duration is a mandatory part of your studies (in this case a mandatory letter has to be presented).Our commitmentRoche commits to recognizing talent and aptitude. We prioritize encouraging and supporting our employees on their personal journeys by providing a safe, creative space to help them reflect, make decisions and grow in their career.We are confident that we find the most innovative solutions by gaining different perspectives, asking and answering hard questions, and challenging the status quo. Roche embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious yet enthusiastic way; we are devoted to building a team that represents a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.Who we areAt 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.