Lab Head and Research Project Leader in Amyloid Biochemistry and Neurodegeneration

The Position

The Position

In Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development organization (pRED), we make transformative medicines for patients in order to tackle some of the world’s toughest unmet healthcare needs.

At pRED, we are united by our mission to transform science into medicines. Together, we create a culture defined by curiosity, responsibility and humility, where our talented people are empowered and inspired to bring forward extraordinary life-changing innovation at speed.

This position is located in Neural Signaling, a research section within the Neuroscience and Rare Disease (NRD) therapeutic area, where the primary focus is on proteinopathies and pathomechanisms related to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and related disorders.

The research in this section contributes to developing a better understanding of disease biology, identifying potential biomarkers, and developing therapeutics for some of the most challenging neurological disorders.

Our section works closely with other research sections within NRD and laboratories in our global functions in order to convert hypotheses into innovative therapeutics for brain disorders across the lifespan.

Role Mission

We are offering an outstanding opportunity to build and lead a lab whose primary focus will be to explore and understand neurodegenerative disease processes in vitro biochemically and in cells, in animal models, next generation human model systems and human post-mortem tissues and biofluids.

With your deep knowledge and experience in amyloid biochemistry and Alzheimer’s disease pathomechanism, you will operate at the exciting interface of neuropathology, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, and cutting-edge multi-omics.

You will have tremendous resources and capabilities available, and you will be surrounded by world-class scientists and drug hunters in a state-of-the-art new building located at the pRED center in Basel.

In addition, you will be leading drug discovery projects by leading a cross-functional project team of scientists from within NRD and other specialized departments who make the molecules or perform pharmacology or safety studies, or who develop translational biomarkers.

The Lab Head / Research Project Leader role is key within NRD Research in order to deliver on portfolio and to contribute and shape the overall research strategy of NRD.

Who you are :

You have a PhD or MD / PhD in neuroscience, biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, molecular or cellular biology with a strong motivation and passion for translating preclinical research to clinical applications.

You have at least 5 years of experience of leading laboratory or drug discovery projects in Biotech / Pharma R&D or in a similar environment in academia.

You are working in a matrix environment, with a proven scientific-track record through impactful publications in relevant fields exemplifying your expertise in biochemical and cellular mechanisms related to protein metabolism and in-depth hands-on disease expertise in Alzheimer’s disease;

know-how in related disorders and previous substantial contributions to drug development programs is desirable.

You bring scientific expertise and technical know-how to utilize and integrate a broad range of techniques including biochemistry, chromatography, immunoassays, proteomics, spatial-omics or MALDI approaches to study proteins ex vivo or in situ, structural biology, imaging methods such as confocal microscopy, electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy.

Hands-on know-how of key methods and techniques relevant for the daily work and troubleshooting in the laboratory.

Ideally you also have expertise in cell based assays and screening and insights or hands-on expertise with iPSC culture or co-culture systems related to brain cells.

You’re someone who is driven by the desire to find therapeutics for some of the most complicated and devastating disorders.

You are a rigorous scientist with a deep understanding and practical experience in amyloid biochemistry, as well as a solid grasp of the literature in neurodegeneration.

You enjoy teamwork, diligence and efficiency. You are a kind and influential team leader and a trusted and knowledgeable colleague.

You are looking for a company where you receive the opportunity to pursue your interests across functions. Working in a multicultural environment motivates you.

Our commitment

Roche commits to recognising talent and aptitude. We prioritize encouraging and supporting our employees on their personal journeys by providing a safe, creative space to help them reflect, make decisions and grow in their career.

We are confident that we find the most innovative solutions by gaining different perspectives, asking and answering hard questions, and challenging the status quo.

Roche embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious yet enthusiastic way; we are devoted to building a team that represents a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.