The RiSE program (Roche Internships for Scientific Exchange) is a highly competitive student research program offering outstanding graduate and medical degree students the opportunity to be fully integrated into an interdisciplinary and international industry R&D environment at Roche. RiSE participants expand their competencies, gain valuable industry experience and become part of a global network of alumni.

The Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area (NRD DTA) focuses on developing medicines for serious neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, spinal muscular atrophy and Huntington’s disease.

Within the NRD DTA, the RiSE student will join the Neuroimmunology group at the Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland. The project investigates the link between microglial lipid accumulation and cellular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.

Position

• Characterization of microglia in human tissue and application of pharmacological interventions targeting lipid metabolism
• Culture, differentiation and characterization of human iPSC-derived microglia
• Execution of in vitro and ex vivo functional assays to assess the impact of pharmacological agents on microglial activation, lipid profiles, and phagocytosis
• Application of advanced immunohistochemical techniques to characterize microglial phenotypes in human tissue
• Collaboration within a diverse team of scientists, research associates, and interns
• Presentation of progress at internal meetings and contribution to scientific publications
• The selected candidate will be mentored by a Roche scientist, receiving guidance, infrastructure, and access to a collaborative research network.

Requirements

• Graduation within the past year or current enrollment in a PhD or medical degree program at a university
• Interest in gaining experience through an industry internship
• Experience with assays involving iPSC-derived microglia
• Background in cellular neurobiology, neuroimmunology, lipid metabolism, or a related field
• Proven experience in cell culture, cellular assays, and biochemistry (e.g., dose-response treatments, live-cell imaging, confocal microscopy, IHC/ICC, ELISA, qPCR, Western blot)
• Independent, proactive, and comfortable working in a collaborative and dynamic research environment

Additional information

• Preferred start date: July 2026 or upon availability. The preferred starting date should be indicated in the cover letter.
• Applications must include a CV, a cover letter, and a letter of support from a current or former academic supervisor confirming suitability for the RiSE program.

Application