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The Position

A position is available for a PhD student fellow to join the Institute of Human Biology (IHB). The institute is a newly established research center in Basel, Switzerland, dedicated to advancing human biology through the use of human model systems for translational research. Our dynamic and interdisciplinary environment fosters collaboration among biologists, engineers, and data scientists, bridging the gap between academic and pharmaceutical research. Closely associated with Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), we partner with leading academic institutions both locally and globally to address grand challenges with bold, innovative science.

This position is based within the Immuno-Stem cell Dynamics Lab i n Exploratory Biology. If you have recently completed a successful MSc in biology related subject appointment and are eager to continue your career as a PhD, we encourage you to apply.

The Opportunity:

As a PhD student, you will collaborate with world-class academic institutions such as ETH Zürich and EPFL, as well as global biopharma leaders. You will have access to a wide network of academic and industry experts, state-of-the-art platforms and technologies, and Roche’s core facilities. This collaborative environment will offer you the freedom to conduct innovative research, while shaping your research vision and making meaningful contributions to human biology. Your responsibilities in this role will include:

• Apply novel live cell imaging techniques and feel comfortable in engaging elaborate cellular bioengineering.

• Perform organoids and primary cell cultures

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Roche to tackle challenges in antigen-antibody structure prediction, generative design of macromolecules, and antibody optimization.

• Analyse biological data from diverse sources, providing insights to experimental biologists, bioinformaticians, and other stakeholders.

Who You Are:

Successful applicants will demonstrate the following qualities:

• MSc in Biology, Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Chemistry, Physics or a related field (completed before program start).

• Strong academic performance (e.g., GPA >80%, first/upper second class degree, or top 10%).

• At least 1 year of practical lab experience, including independent isolation and cultivation of human immune cells, stem cells, and organoids (e.g., intestine, liver, skin).

• Hands-on experience with advanced in vitro systems such as 3D cultures and organoids.

• Familiarity with innate immune signaling pathways and cancer biology.

• Experience with modern technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, single-cell or spatial transcriptomics, high-content imaging).

• Experience with confocal or live-cell imaging and/or high-dimensional flow cytometry, alongside excellent English and strong interpersonal and teamwork skills in international environments.

Join our newly established Institute of Human Biology (IHB) as a PhD Student Fellow in newly formed Immuno-Stem cell dynamics! Apply now to explore this exciting opportunity!

Who we are

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.