RiSE Internship - Establishing a reliable human inducible oligodendrocyte precursor cell iPSC protocol for the purpose of high throughput phenotypic analysis (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 group in Neuroimmunology, and work at the Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland.

The Opportunity

• Differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and oligodendrocytes from human iPSC cell lines

• Establish a robust protocol for culturing, maintaining and using of the OPCs/oligodendrocytes for drug development

• Perturb the cultures and use these cultures in a assays to identify novel drug targets for Multiple Sclerosis

• Assess the effects of manipulation with standard techniques such as with biochemistry and molecular biology

• Present your progress at internal meetings

• Work closely with other members of the lab and conduct routine lab duties

• You will be hosted and mentored by a Roche scientist who will guide you through your research

Who You Are

• You graduated from a Master's program within the last year

• Or you are enrolled in a PhD or medical degree program at a university

• Skilled in human iPSC cell culture and maintenance

• Skilled in standard lab biochemistry, molecular biology techniques

• Experience in cell culture assay development

• An independent worker, critical thinker and problem solver

Additional Information

The internship can start between June-September 2026 – please clearly indicate your preferred starting date in your motivation letter.

Application Process

Applications need to include a CV and a cover letter including your motivation and outlining the skills you have that meet the criteria above, as well as a letter from your academic supervisor supporting your application to the RiSE Program. Please provide a reference letter.

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 RiSE Internship.

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.