Intern In Vitro Brain Distribution of Biologics (9-12 months in Basel)

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections,  where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. 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 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. This position is located in ADME, a chapter within the PS function, where the fate of new chemical entities and biologics is a primary focus. The ADME Chapter works throughout all stages of compound development, from lead optimization to candidate selection, all clinical development phases to filing of new drug applications. We closely collaborate with our therapeutic areas and functions to convert hypotheses into innovative therapeutics.

The Opportunity

• During the internship in In Vitro Brain Distribution of Biologics you will generate experimental data in order to assess the fate of new biologics R&D candidates in the disease area of neurosciences.

• Establish a new in vitro assay to study the uptake, transcytosis, and recycling of antibodies to better understand the pharmacokinetics (PK) properties of drug candidates and establish a direct in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC).

• You will work in a multi-disciplinary team and gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art methodologies (e.g., in vitro cellular models, bioluminescence assays, transwell assays, and microscopy techniques) to assess PK properties of drug candidates.

• You will learn how to develop and optimize in vitro models (such as BBB transwell systems) as well as quantitative kinetic methodologies to support the drug development process.

• You will help bridge in vitro transport fate with in vivo pharmacokinetics by evaluating real-time cellular target engagement using advanced split-luciferase technology.

• You will analyse data and document experimental results and protocols with the highest scientific standards.

Who You Are

• You are currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program, or have completed your Master’s degree within 12 months of the start date, preferably in biochemistry, pharmacology, or molecular biology, while being eager to start your career in the pharmaceutical industry

• You possess hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, specifically focusing on primary or established blood-brain barrier models such as transwell setups.

• You demonstrate technical skills in cell engineering, including plasmid transfection and viral transduction to generate engineered reporter cell lines.

• Your technical toolkit includes executing fluorescence and luminescence-based in vitro assays along with basic data analysis and experimental reporting.

• You demonstrate an interest in translational science and drug delivery systems, supported by a fundamental understanding of pharmacokinetics that enables you to solve problems innovatively. 

• Effective collaboration relies on your strong communication skills, English proficiency, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision within a team.

Application Process

• Please upload your CV, a motivation letter with your application, and a certificate of enrolment (if you are currently studying). 

• Non-EU/Non-EFTA citizens must attach a confirmation from the university to the application documents, stating that a mandatory internship is part of the education and be continuously enrolled in their university or PhD program for the whole duration of this internship.

Additional Information

• The duration of the internship is 9-12 months.

• PhD students must be enrolled for the entire duration of the internship.

• The earliest start date for this internship is September 2026, with a minimum duration of 9 months.

Ready to take the next step? We'd love to hear from you. Apply now to explore this exciting opportunity!

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.