Internship (12 months), Cryopreservation of an Adipocyte Organoid Model

Location: Basel, Basel-city, Switzerland

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

In Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Organisation (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 medicine. 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.

You will join Roche’s Institute of Human Biology (IHB), an organization within pRED whose goal is to harness and advance the use of human model systems in drug discovery and development, and personalized medicine. Our interdisciplinary research bridges academic and pharmaceutical research, connecting biologists, engineers, and data scientists.

We partner and collaborate with leading scientific institutions worldwide to tackle grand challenges by assembling, funding, and leading interdisciplinary teams of experts to work on highly ambitious and complex scientific questions.

Job mission

We are offering an outstanding opportunity for a student researcher to contribute to our mission to disrupt the traditional drug discovery process by advancing more predictive human model systems. Your work in Adipose Tissue Modeling will play a pivotal role in addressing the escalating challenge of metabolic disorders linked to obesity. This position focuses on developing methods for the cryopreservation of adipoids while maintaining cell composition, differentiation capacity and response to treatments. Your core mission involves optimizing organoid cryopreservation to ensure model longevity and functionality. This work is critical for propelling our understanding of adipose biology and opening new avenues for metabolic disease treatment. We seek a driven, detail-oriented student researcher ready to contribute to a transformative project with far-reaching health implications. If you are passionate about pioneering research and eager to make a tangible impact in the field of metabolic health, join us in this exciting venture.

Your impact

• Enhances the drug discovery process by preserving and standardizing human model systems.
• Utilizes state-of-the-art 3D cell culture technologies and stem cells to create advanced adipose organoid models.
• Aims to replicate the intricate functions of white adipose tissue in vitro, and to improve the study of fat biology.
• Offers the potential to significantly impact public health by informing the development of novel therapeutics for metabolic conditions.

Your Profile

As an Intern conducting your research in our lab, you will thrive in an environment that encourages autonomy and values your unique contributions to our collaborative projects. Your adaptability and creativity in problem-solving will be key as you navigate the challenges of your research. We expect you to work well within our team, embracing an inclusive approach that leverages diverse perspectives. Your dedication to cultivating a supportive atmosphere, engaging in knowledge exchange, and pursuing continuous learning will be crucial for the success of your thesis and the advancement of our collective scientific goals.

• You have experience in tissue modeling, preferably adipose tissue. Prior to work with 3D cell culture technologies and stem cell research is highly desirable.
• You are currently enrolled in a university M.Sc. program in relevant fields such as Biology, or Bioengineering with a focus on cellular and molecular biology, or you have completed your M.Sc. degree within the past 12 months.
• You have hands-on experience working with Flow Cytometry, up to 12 colours, confocal microscopy, and the general molecular biology techniques
• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex scientific questions and challenges in the field of metabolic disease research.
• You show meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and quality of research outputs.
• You have scientific curiosity as well as effective communication and documentation skills in English.
• You are self-motivated and driven to contribute to transformative projects with the potential for significant health implications.
• You have the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment, contributing to a team’s success while advancing independent research goals.

Your application

Your complete application includes the following documents:

• A current CV and a Motivation Letter
• A certificate of enrollment (if you are currently studying)
• For Non-EU/EFTA citizens: Due to regulations, you must provide a letter from your university stating that an internship is mandatory for your studies and specifying the required length of the internship. Please upload this letter, along with your enrollment certificate, CV, and motivation letter.

Planned Start Date: August 2025

Workload: 100%

Duration: 12 months

Unwavering focus, collaborative teamwork, and exceptional delivery are key behaviors that drive our mission of doing now what patients need next. Together, we can be transformative.

If you are passionate about contributing to a committed team and have the dedication to partnership and innovation, Roche is the place for you! Every role at Roche plays a part in making a difference in patients’ lives. Apply now and join us in making an impact by advancing oncology clinical research!

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.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.