In Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Organization (pRED) we believe the rapid advances in science, technology, digital and big data are our greatest opportunity to rethink how we tackle some of the world's toughest unmet health care needs and to have an even more profound impact on patients and society.
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 amazing people are empowered and inspired to bring forward amazing innovation at speed.
The Light Sheet Microscopy Intern for the Institute for Translational Bioengineering (ITB) would support the establishment of a newly formed initiative in pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development) whose goal is to disrupt the traditional drug discovery process through innovation/big and bold ideas focused on advancing our ability to use more predictive human model systems. A significant obstacle in organoid biology is the heterogeneity of their organization. At the ITB, we aim to tackle such barriers using cutting-edge tools in organoid technology. One of the fronts Organoid biology needs immediately is the ability of high throughput phenotyping to describe and further understand the basis of organoid tissues architecture formation. This project aims to push the frontiers of high throughput bioimaging of different organoid systems and aims to describe tissue architecture using cutting edge microscopy techniques.
The intern will design and build a light sheet microscope for hightrouput imaging of organoids systems at the ITB. She/he will test the system in different organoid systems, and further develop bioimaging pipelines to extract quantitative information on tissue morphology. She/he will work in close collaboration with the Lead of the project and the lead of the Phenotyping Group to bring cutting edge imaging capabilities for organoid systems. This offers a unique position to bridge the scientific and technical knowledge between organoid biology and technology in a pharmaceutical context. This is a rare opportunity to be involved in supporting the creation and growth of a new and exciting Institute that brings together scientists and engineers from around the world.
Expertise the intern is expected to gain during the course of the internship:
Optics, hardware and software design
Bioimaging analysis: Machine learning
Developmental biology
Organoid technology
Biophysical mechanotransduction principles
Core tasks and responsibilities:
Build of a Light Sheet Microscope within the ITB
Integrate microscope software (uManager and napari)
Design a mini-project to test the throughput imaging capabilities of organoids using the Light sheet microscope
Assume responsibility for the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of organoid imaging and phenotyping activities.
Summarize batch or experimental results, and review conclusions with supervisor/project leader.
Communicate results of experiments. Keep supervisor/project leader informed of work status, particularly of significant findings and results in critical problem areas.
Participate in the design and organization of experiments in conjunction with the team. Providing input in writing experimental protocols, investigations and reports may be required.
Skills and capabilities:
Master student in Engineering or Physics (Msc - PhD) in master thesis semester. Life sciences degree (Msc) would be considered only if the candidate has some experience in hardware or software integration,medium/strong physics background and/or computer science expertise (such as Machine learning)
Experience with Python or Labview (or similar i.e. MatLab) would be highly beneficial.
Experience with image analysis and machine learning algorithms is of advantage.
Experience with cell culture is of advantage.
Communication skills, ability to work collaboratively in an international team.
Fluency in English is a must.
Your application:
If you're interested, please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter stating your interest.
Due to regulations, non-EU/EFTA citizens have to provide a certificate from the university confirming that the internship is a mandatory part of their studies and upload this certificate together with their application documents.
Planned Start: July 2022
Duration: Initially 6 months with the possibility of extension up to 12 months
Workload: 40 hours
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.
Job Level:
Entry Level
