PhD Internship / RiSE - Functional characterization of (re)myelination in acute and organotypic brain slices (12 months)

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

The RiSE program (Roche Internships for Scientific Exchange) is a highly competitive student research program at Roche. It offers the most talented postgraduate PhD and medical degree students the opportunity to be fully integrated into our interdisciplinary and international industry R&D environment. As a RiSE student you will enhance your competencies, gain valuable work experience with us, and eventually become part of a world-wide network of RiSE Alumni.

The Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area (NRD DTA) is developing medicines for a range of serious neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, spinal muscular atrophy, and Huntington’s disease.

As a RiSE student in the NRD DTA you will join our Neurotransmitter Receptors Lab within the Systems Neuroscience Section at the Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland. You will perform electrophysiological recordings in acute and organotypic brain slice preparations and use advanced labelling and standard molecular biological techniques to functionally assess myelination states in these in-vitro systems. You will be hosted and supervised by a Roche scientist and work as part of an experienced team that will provide guidance and the required infrastructure for your research.

The Opportunity

• Carry out experimental work in the lab in collaboration with a team of scientists, students and research associates

• Generate acute and organotypic brain slice preparations

• Perform extracellular electrophysiological recordings from brain slices

• Conduct (immuno)histochemical labelling and other standard molecular biological experiments

• Analyze your data and present the results of your research at internal meetings

Who You Are

You’re someone who wants to influence your own development. You’re looking for a company where you have the opportunity to pursue your interests across functions and geographies. Where a job title is not considered the final definition of who you are, but the starting point.

Moreover you are/have:

• Enrolled in a PhD or medical degree program at a university and are looking to expand your experience with an industry internship

• A strong interest in neurophysiological mechanisms and ideally practical experience with recordings at an electrophysiology setup

• Hands-on experience with brain tissue dissection and acute brain slice preparation

• Solid understanding of tissue labelling, immunohistochemistry, cell culture and molecular biological methods

• Animal experimentation accreditation (LTK1 certificate) would be beneficial

Additional Information

The preferred start date of the internship is March 2026 or upon availability.

Applications need to include a CV and a cover letter, as well as a letter from your academic supervisor supporting your application to the RiSE Program. Additional reference letters and/or transcripts of records would be of advantage.

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 training.

Curious, motivated, and ready to learn? Apply now for our PhD Internship in Neurophysiology.

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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.