Roche internship for Scientific Exchange – Functional Characterization of Microglia Motility in a Neurodegenerative Disease Model (9 months) in Basel

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. We are brave in both decision and action, we believe that good business means a better world.

The Neuroscience Disease and Translational Area oversees the discovery, research and development of novel treatments for diseases such as schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The program (Roche Internships for Scientific Exchange) offers the most hardworking postgraduate students the opportunity to improve their competencies and to gain valuable work experience with us.

The Neurosymptomatic Domains Section in the Neuroscience Discovery Group, Basel, Switzerland is using groundbreaking genetic, molecular, neurophysiological, and imaging (2-photon, miniaturized microscope) methodologies to understand disease and support drug development efforts in the Neuroscience field. One area of particular interest is studying microglial dynamics. We are looking for a motivated PhD or MD/PhD student who is passionate about employing state of the art imaging methods to understand how pharmacological interventions can modulate microglial motility and interaction with pathological substrates.

During the internship your tasks will include:

• Collaborating with a scientist who will also be your mentor and supervisor
• Establishing a protocol for two-photon live microglia imaging in acute brain slices
• Design, implement and analyze experiments to characterize microglia dynamics and interaction with plaques in a neurodegenerative disease model
• Work collaboratively to present and publish scientific results of high impact

Your profile

We are keen to discover talented people who are passionate about learning and show great curiosity in discovering new things. At the Roche Headquarter site in Basel/Kaiseraugst, employees from over 90 countries are doing now what our patients need next. We contribute our share towards achieving our mission and to make our vision of personalized healthcare happen. We offer you a multicultural workplace in a modern environment, which at the same time requires you to be open-minded and adaptable. You provide us with examples that prove your ability to cultivate collaborations with different partners. This also means that you continuously contrast your results with others and acknowledge the benefit of teamwork and communications. As an intern you will be a member of the Roche Interns Network that offers you chances to connect, have fun and get to know Basel, in the heart of Europe.

Moreover you are/have:

• Enrolled in PhD or medical degree program at a university
• An enthusiastic and critical-thinking scientist who enjoys both working independently and as a part of a team.
• Experience in live tissue imaging and image analysis
• FELASA certificate or equivalent is a plus
• Interested to gain more experience in neuroscience research in the pharmaceutical industry
• A dedicated attitude to tackle problems and high level of team orientation
• Communication skills and proficiency in English

The preferred start date of the internship is spring 2019 or upon availability – please clearly indicate your preferred starting date on your motivation letter.

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

Please note that non-EU/EFTA nationals have to successfully apply for a Swiss work permit.

Roche embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a range 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.