The Position
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microparticles, are small lipid-bound particles that are secreted from cells and contain protein, lipids and RNA. EVs serve to transport molecules from one cell to another and thus mediate intercellular communication between different cell types in the body. The interest around extracellular vesicles has emerged recently through their potential utility as circulating biomarker in clinical research. EVs have been isolated from diverse body fluids, including blood, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid etc. and may provide important informations about tissue-related changes in the context of a drug response, the target molecule, disease activity and patient stratification while reducing the patient`s burden of invasive tissue analysis.
The main goal of the project is 1) to evaluate and optimize new approaches and state-of-the-art technologies in order to detect and quantify exosomes and exosome-related biomarkers, 2) to review in-depth existing literature for portfolio relevant tissue-based biomarkers on exosomes and measuring thereof selected biomarker candidates in in vitro models and human disease samples, and 3) to isolate and extract the molecular content of exosomes for further downstream analyses. The work will be conducted on human cell lines, human primary cells and human body fluids in a BSL2 environment. The methodologies will span from flow cytometry, ELISA-based technologies to RNA sequencing. This study will provide the candidate the opportunity to directly support an innovation project, to understand biomarker-related clinical research and to get an insight into the drug development process and the clinical program support.
Which skills do you bring to the team?
Master's Degree in biology, biotechnology or pharmacology
Fluent in English (spoken and written)
Basic knowledge of immunology, molecular and/or cellular biology
In vitro cell culture experience would be desired
Experience with immunological and/or biochemical assays would be a plus
Understanding of flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques would be of benefit.
Motivation to work in a team-friendly environment
What will be your responsibilities?
Setup of cell culture assays and isolation procedures for extracellular vesicles
Perform and optimize methods in measuring target molecules in extracellular vesicles
Review and present literature for portfolio relevant tissue-based biomarkers on exosomes
Familiarize with workflows in cellular and fluid biomarkers using state-of-the art technologies
Analyze and present results to the team
We will provide you with excellent scientific training where you will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of biomarkers, get experience into new technologies, expand your network and get insights in a global Pharma research organization.
Duration of the internship: 6-9 months
Earliest start date: September
Please apply with your CV and cover letter mentioning your availability for the position.
Due to regulations non-EU/EFTA citizens must provide a certificate from the university stating that an internship is mandatory as part of the application.
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.
