Python Job: Research Associate, in vivo experimentation in neu

In Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development organization (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.

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Associate to join the Neural Signaling Section in the Neuroscience and Rare Disease (NRD) Research Department. The overarching goal of the Neural Signaling Section is to move forward drug discovery projects, from target assessment to early clinical phase, in the therapeutic area of neurodegenerative diseases.

We are looking for an individual with high interest and determination to improve the lives of patients suffering from devastating neurodegenerative disorders. You will contribute to the identification and optimization of drug candidates from different modalities (small and large molecules, gene therapy, etc) by assessing their potential in animal models. You will be responsible for conducting a large set of ex vivo analysis to explore their properties and mode of action. You will also be involved in proof-of-concept studies to validate novel targets. You will be part of an existing research lab and have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with multidisciplinary experts to reach all together our goal to provide patients with innovative, safe and life changing treatments.

• Design, conduct, analyze and interpret complex efficacy studies in rodent models (transgenic or induced by injection of viral vectors or toxins) of neurodegeneration, including sample collection and analysis using ex vivo techniques (e.g. qRT-PCR, Western Blot, ELISA, FACS, immunohistochemistry, confocal and brightfield microscopy, slide scanning techniques, and latest omics approaches).

• Implement new assays or optimize existing protocols based on literature search to meet the needs of the project.

• Give support to in vitro experiments ongoing in the lab (set up and characterization of cellular disease models, viability and functional assays in cell lines, primary cultures, iPSC-derived cells).

• Present and actively discuss data in lab, project teams and department meetings.

• Contribute to the well functioning of shared labs by taking an active part in lab-related organizational and maintenance tasks.

You hold a BSc or MSc in Neuroscience, Biomedical or Life Sciences, Pharmacology or related studies (PhD holders won’t be considered for this position) with at least 3-5 years of laboratory experience, preferentially in an industrial setting. You have a keen interest in and are familiar with the drug discovery process, especially in the area of neurodegeneration. You truly enjoy working with rodents and you define yourself as an in vivo person, even if you are also able to perform in vitro experiments. You have the ability to connect colleagues in multiple parts of the organization to reach shared goals. You are resourceful and flexible in problem solving and in working in a constantly changing environment. You are driven by scientific curiosity and vigor, you thrive in team work and you are able to work independently while staying focused on the agreed objectives.

Essentials

• Certification for performing in vivo experiments (equivalent to LTK1 or FELSA B).

• Proficiency in animal dosing (po, iv, sc, ip) and stereotaxic injections in rats and mice.

• Broad hands-on experience in sampling organs (brain, spinal cord but also e.g. liver, muscle) and biofluids (blood, CSF) and in microdissection of brain structures.

• Extensive expertise in several techniques of ex vivo gene and protein analysis among the following: RNA/DNA isolation, qRT-PCR, CLIP-seq, WB, ELISA, FACS, and immunostainings .

• Good knowledge on microscopy techniques (confocal, super resolution) and image analysis.

• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Desirable

• Experience with cell culture work. Know-how on preparation of primary cultures would be seen as an advantage.

• Understanding of brain structures and neuropathology.

• Ideally you have basics in writing scripts in Python or R and are tech-savvy to perform semi-automated image analysis and apply new digital tools for large-scale data analysis. Opportunity to learn these methods will be provided as well.

• Acquaintance of the work in BSL2 environment and familiarity with safety-related questions.

• Contribution to animal license writing.

• Background of behavioral testing and/or breeding regarded as a plus

Roche commits to recognizing talent and aptitude. We prioritize encouraging and supporting our employees on their personal journeys by providing a safe, creative space to help them reflect, make decisions and grow in their career.

We are confident that we find the most innovative solutions by gaining different perspectives, asking and answering hard questions, and challenging the status quo. Roche embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious yet enthusiastic way; we are devoted to building a team that represents a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

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.