At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.
The RiSE program (Roche Internships for Scientific Exchange) is a highly competitive student research program at Roche. It offers the most talented postgraduate PhD and medical degree students the opportunity to be fully integrated into our interdisciplinary and international industry R&D environment. As a RiSE student, you will enhance your competencies, gain valuable work experience with us, and eventually become part of a worldwide network of RiSE Alumni.
The Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area (NRD DTA) is developing medicines for a range of serious neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, spinal muscular atrophy, and Huntington’s disease.
As a RiSE student in the NRD DTA, you will be an integral part of the Neuromuscular Disorders (NMD) lab group, situated within the Neurotechnologies Section at the Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland. Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in neuromuscular biology, vectorized genomic medicine, genetic engineering, and complex 3D models.
In your role as a RiSE student, you will have the opportunity to apply a range of integrative lab techniques to meticulously study how agrin pathway activation influences NMJ stability, synaptic transmission, and ultimately, muscle contractile function in a human NMJ disease model.
Throughout your internship, you will be hosted and mentored by a dedicated Roche scientist who will provide comprehensive guidance, ensure you have access to all necessary work infrastructure, and connect you with a collaborative network of experts. This experience is designed not only to enhance your scientific skills but also to immerse you in a cutting-edge research environment.
Maintain a detailed electronic lab notebook (ELN) and data records
Culture and maintenance of 3D Neuromuscular Junction organoids
Viral transductions using recombinant AAVs
3D live imaging and multielectrode array (MEA)
Data analysis
Present research findings to project and cross-functional teams
Manuscript preparation
Coordinate with internal core facilities (e.g., imaging, genomics, etc)
Actively participate in experimental design and scientific strategy meetings
You’re someone who wants to influence your own development. You’re looking for a company where you have the opportunity to pursue your interests across functions and geographies. Where a job title is not considered the final definition of who you are, but the starting point.
Enrolled in a PhD or medical degree program at a university and are looking to expand your experience with an industry internship (Graduated PhD students can't be considered for the role. Furthermore, you must be enrolled at university for 50% of the duration of your stay at Roche, PhD thesis can’t be defended in the first half of the internship)
A background in muscle cell biology, neuroscience, or life science.
Demonstrable experience in one or more of the following areas:
Culturing complex cell models and/or organoids (e.g., human iPSCs)
Live cell imaging techniques (e.g., fluorescence microscopy, calcium indicators)
Electrophysiology (e.g., MEA)
Familiarity with advanced image analysis software (e.g., Harmony, FIJI/ImageJ, or similar) for quantifying 3D live imaging data
Basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR/dPCR, WB, DNA/RNA/protein isolation)
Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, Python, and/or GraphPad Prism) for analyzing biological data sets, including dose-response curves and electrophysiology output
A strong interest in expanding your methodological skills, particularly using AAV-based technologies in 3D model systems.
The preferred date of the internship is February 2026 or upon availability – please clearly indicate your preferred starting date of the internship in your motivation letter.
Applications need to include a CV and a cover letter, as well as a letter from your academic supervisor supporting your application to the RiSE Program. In addition, please provide an external reference letter other than the one from your primary academic supervisor.
Please note that due to regulations, non-EU/EFTA citizens have to provide a certificate from the university stating that an industry internship is mandatory as part of the university training.
Join our innovative Neuromuscular Disorders team as a RiSE student at the Roche Innovation Center in Basel and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research, advanced lab techniques, and expert mentorship—apply now to contribute to breakthroughs in neuromuscular biology!
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.