Python Job: Disease Modeling Scientist

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.

These positions are located in the Predictive Modeling and Data Analytics (PMDA) chapter in Basel (Switzerland); a chapter within the Pharmaceutical Sciences function, where Disease Modeling is a primary focus area.

As a Disease Modeler, you contribute to the decision making process by designing and executing the disease modeling strategy for programs at different stages of research discovery or early clinical development, and in different disease areas. You work as part of a multidisciplinary team and you collaborate closely with experts from various functions, such as Clinical Pharmacology, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Biomarkers, Medical Doctors and Clinical Scientists.

Your work will focus on understanding disease state temporal dynamics and the impact of pharmacological treatments on its time course by developing quantitative system pharmacology (QSP), pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD), statistical or machine learning models.

• Define, develop and execute scientifically sound, innovative and business-oriented Disease Modeling & Simulation (DM&S) strategic plans for projects in various disease areas and at different stages of research discovery or early clinical development;

• Develop system pharmacology, PK/PD, statistical or machine learning models that integrate preclinical/clinical data and knowledge on pathophysiological mechanisms, patient characteristics and drug pharmacology;

• Conduct clinical trial simulations to inform drug development decisions such as dose, regimen and other trial design features, mechanism of action, and patient selection;

• Communicate the outcome of DM&S analysis to the project teams to support efficient discussion and decision making;

• Interact on a scientific level with partners in project team(s) with regards to all aspects of the application of DM&S to ensure efficient and appropriate integration of DM&S strategy and results into internal and external project documents (e.g. Clinical Development Plan, Health Authorities briefing books).

Essential qualifications:

• PhD applied to life sciences in the fields of mathematical modeling, computational biology, biophysics, applied mathematics, machine learning or biostatistics;

• At least 3-5 years experience* in planning and conducting M&S projects for clinical study in a pharmaceutical industry setting;

• Strong analytical skills, with ability to understand and develop mathematical/statistical methods and to translate them into a computational algorithm;

• Solid expertise in analyzing longitudinal preclinical/clinical data by developing PK/PD, QSP and disease models from first-principle using domain expertise knowledge;

• Strong computational and coding skills and proficiency in at least one high level scientific language (such as R/MATLAB/Julia/Python);

• Excellent communication and writing skills in English as well as a proven track record of publishing in peer reviewed journals.

Desirable qualifications:

• Knowledge in cancer biology, immune-oncology and immunology;

• Solid experience with population approach (e.g. non-linear mixed effect models, Bayesian hierarchical models) and M&S software (e.g. NONMEM, Monolix, nlmixr, Pumas-AI, Stan);

• Proficient in exploratory data analysis and machine learning methods (e.g. regression, classification, dimensionality reduction, ensemble methods, neural nets and deep learning)

• Background in pharmacology, life sciences or medicine with a clear interest in clinical research and in developing a deep understanding of disease biology.

Ways-of-working:

• Flexibility and capability to work independently;

• Strategic mindset and understanding of how and when M&S can contribute value in drug development and support decision making;

• Ability to influence and lead without authority in a network organization;

• Able to radically simplify and prioritize for impact. You invest your time in things that accelerate progress for patients. You stop doing things that do not.

• The seniority level of the position will be determined based on the experience of the candidate

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.