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2026 Summer Intern - Pathology Lab Research & Early Development Engineering
We advance science so that we all have more time with the people we love.
Department Summary
Pathology Lab Research & Early Development (PLRED) identifies, evaluates and matures technologies for Pathology Lab and Oncology Diagnostic applications. We are a multi-disciplinary team with a broad range of scientific and engineering experience and skills.
This internship position is located in Tucson, on-site.
The Opportunity
This project is centered on improving laboratory workflow efficiency through automation. The intern will be responsible for designing and developing a prototype robotic or automated solution for precision handling and movement of critical diagnostic components (such as slides, tubes, or cartridges) used in our instruments. Responsibilities may include:
Mechanical design, component selection and hands-on prototyping: Modify the existing mechanical components of a small-scale automation system & procure prototype parts.
Control system design, component selection and hands-on prototyping: Modify the existing control logic and motion systems, identify required sensors & procure prototype parts.
System integration & testing: Integrate all components, update & debug code, leading to successful demonstration of required capabilities.
Documentation: Create engineering documentation, including system specifications, code structure, troubleshooting guide.
This successful candidate will work as part of a cross-functional Agile engineering team, who will provide mentorship on all technical areas of this project and also exposure to other novel applied research.
Program Highlights
Intensive 12-weeks, full-time (40 hours per week) paid internship.
Program start dates are in May/June 2026.
A stipend, based on location, will be provided to help alleviate costs associated with the internship.
Ownership of challenging and impactful business-critical projects.
Work with some of the most talented people in the biotechnology industry.
Who You Are
Required Education
You meet one of the following criteria:
Must be pursuing a Master's Degree (enrolled student).
Must have attained a Master's Degree.
Must be pursuing a PhD (enrolled student).
Must have attained a PhD.
Required Majors: Open to any Engineering or Science major that has the required skills.
Required Skills:
Demonstrated experience of working hands-on with robotics/automation systems.
Demonstrated experience with mechanical CAD software (preferably SolidWorks).
Demonstrated experience with software prototyping.
Basic understanding of electromechanical control systems, including motion control, sensing and coordinate systems.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
Familiarity with embedded software.
Familiarity with one or more robotic or automation platforms.
Experience with computer vision libraries for object detection or guidance.
Strong problem solving skills and willingness to learn.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
Complements our culture and the standards that guide our daily behavior & decisions: Integrity, Courage, and Passion.
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Arizona is $50.00 per hour. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for paid holiday time off benefits.
A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.
Let’s build a healthier future, together.
Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
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