Hybrid Internship in alveolar models of respiratory disease (from May 2025 for 12 months) (m/f/d) na Roche

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

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Roche. 

In Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development organization (pRED), we make transformative medicines for patients to tackle some of the world’s toughest unmet healthcare needs. 

This position offers  a unique opportunity to work in the Discovery Research Immunology group, in  close collaboration with the Pathology and Applied Safety Science (PASS - Pharmaceutical Sciences) department at Roche in Basel. Within this collaboration, we are establishing advanced in vitro models of respiratory diseases, with particular focus on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a Master’s degree for an internship position in advanced alveolar models of human disease. 

The opportunity

• Learn about COPD and mechanisms of alveolar biology, in particular the role of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells in disease

• Characterize a novel COPD model using alveolar organoids by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and RT-qPCR and perform a transcriptome analysis of healthy and diseased alveolar organoids by bulk RNA-sequencing

• Work with an alveolar organoid-on-chip model to understand the communication between different cell types in disease

• Under supervised training and mentoring, gradually assume responsibility for specific tasks, such as cell culture maintenance, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and data analysis

• Plan, execute, analyse, and interpret experiments in collaboration with the team

Who you are

You are a motivated and ambitious individual holding a Master’s degree, preferably in the area of molecular life sciences, biology, immunology, biotechnology, or biomedical engineering. You have completed your Master’s degree within the past 12 months.

Please note that this internship is not suitable for PhD students. 

• Experienced with cell culture techniques, such as organoid maintenance, and familiar with molecular biology techniques such as RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry

• A person with research background in lung biology, and interested in COPD or other respiratory diseases

• A person with some experience in bioinformatics analysis

• Able to manage multiple requests and to set priorities by open communication with the team

• Proficient in English with good communication skills both written and oral

The preferred start date of the internship is beginning of May 2025 but can be adjusted upon availability. Please clearly indicate your preferred starting date on your motivation letter.

To be considered, please send us your complete application merged into one PDF including your updated CV and Motivation Letter (including desired start date).

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 studies.

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.