Internship (6-9 months), Modulating Colorectal Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Subtypes

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 exceptional opportunity for a student researcher to contribute to our mission of transforming the traditional drug discovery process by advancing more predictive human model systems. Your research will play a crucial role in understanding how to modulate the fibroblast phenotype to reflect intrinsic disease states better. This position focuses on investigating the impact of altering cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) on the behavior of other cell types within complex in vitro and co-culture models. We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented student researcher eager to contribute to a groundbreaking project with significant health implications. If you are passionate about pioneering research and driven to make a meaningful impact in the field of cancer research, we invite you to join us in this exciting endeavor.

Your impact

• Enhances the drug discovery process by standardizing human model systems.
• Utilizes state-of-the-art 3D cell culture technologies and stem cells to advanced complex in vitro models.
• Aims to replicate the intricate states of Cancer Associates Fibroblast (CAFs) in vitro.
• Offers the potential to significantly impact public health by improving the development of models that better mimic the disease’s phenotype.

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 primary cell culture. Prior 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 subjects such as Biology, Bioengineering, or Biomedical Engineering, or you have completed your MSc. degree within the past 12 months.
• You have hands-on experience working with confocal microscopy and image analysis frameworks.
• You have a desire to understand biological systems through exploratory data analysis.
• 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: 6–9 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.