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 Position

Our Core Workflow Research and Early Development (RED) team creates solution concepts for new opportunities and unmet needs related to sample and data workflows. We are part of the Core Lab RED Chapter within the Research and Early Development organization at Roche Diagnostics Solutions. Located in Rotkreuz, Switzerland, we operate with a global network and mindset to shape the future of laboratory diagnostics.

Our innovation strategy is built on three strategic pillars: Automation & Robotics, Advanced Algorithms, and Biological Workflows. We are seeking a Project Lead – Innovation Concepts to drive multidisciplinary technical projects across these areas. In this role, you act as the vital link between raw ideation and technical reality, de-risking concepts before they transition into our broader development networks.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will lead and shape innovation projects while actively contributing to their practical realization in the lab and through prototyping:

• Technical Exploration & Leadership: Lead exploratory and applied research projects; define targets, resources, and timelines while actively contributing to experimental work and validation.

• Hands-on Prototyping & Lab Work: Translate ideas into solution concepts by developing and testing prototypes (assay, consumables, hardware, software), including direct laboratory experimentation and iteration.

• Experimental Design & Execution: Design and perform key experiments to characterize concepts, generate data, and drive rapid build–measure–learn cycles.

• Technology Scouting & Application: Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., Robotics, GenAI) and assess both their theoretical potential and practical feasibility through hands-on trials.

• From Concept to Value: Connect technical insights with business impact by assessing value propositions, feasibility, and risks.

• Collaboration & Innovation Culture: Work across internal and external networks, leading without authority while fostering a transparent, high-trust, and "fail-fast/learn-fast” mindset.

Who You Are

You are a "Generalist Specialist” who thrives in interdisciplinary environments and enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical, hands-on work:

• Education & Experience: Master’s or PhD in Engineering, Natural Sciences, or related field, with 3–8 years of experience in R&D, technical product development, or innovation projects.

• Hybrid Skillset (Strategy + Hands-on): Proven ability to both lead projects and actively work in lab and prototyping settings, bridging concept and execution.

• Multidisciplinary Versatility: Experience working across domains (e.g., Robotics, Digital/IT, Hardware, Biology) and integrating them into cohesive solutions.

• Methodological Expertise: Strong track record applying Lean Startup principles, including rapid prototyping and experimental validation.

• Digital & Technical Fluency: Familiarity with AI and emerging technologies; hands-on coding skills (e.g., Python) for data-driven experimentation are a plus.

• Analytical & Experimental Rigor: Ability to evaluate technologies both theoretically and experimentally, with practical lab experience and/or customer-facing exposure.

• Lateral Leadership & Communication: Ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority; excellent English communication skills (German is a plus).

Are you ready to apply? We want someone who thinks beyond the job offered - someone who knows that this position can be a unique opportunity to shape the future of Roche.

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.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.