Job Detail

In Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Organization (pRED) we believe the rapid advances in science, technology, digital and big data are our greatest opportunity to rethink how we tackle some of the world’s toughest unmet health care needs and to have an even more profound impact on patients and society.

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 amazing people are empowered and inspired to bring forward amazing innovation at speed.

The Head of Organoid Development for the new Institute for Translational Bioengineering (ITB) will support the Scientific Director in overseeing and leading the activities of a pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development) scientific group whose goal is to disrupt the traditional drug discovery process through innovation/big and bold ideas focused on advancing our ability to use more predictive human model systems. The Head will oversee a dedicated team within the ITB and conduct scientific activities internally and collaborate with others internally and externally on research and applications that are relevant to pRED's long-term goals of transforming science into medicines. This is a rare opportunity to be involved in the establishment and growth of a new Institute and attract talented scientists and engineers from around the world. Activities include the following:

• Invent and embrace innovative concepts to enable and support complex drug development programs by use of novel research tools




• Play an important leadership role in the development and coordination of short-, medium- and long-term cross-disciplinary scientific strategies to advance predictive human model systems, both internally and through the use of external innovation




• Develop research plans and strategies, supervise and guide external and internal activities; define workable concepts for implementation of novel tools to support a rapidly evolving portfolio; engage in strategic discussions with internal partners on pathways to use organoids, organs-on-a chip and other cell culture technologies as integrated models during pre-clinical development and beyond




• Gaining deep knowledge of the pRED drug development process to understand where activities could be developed to disrupt the process




• Lead and coach a team of experienced scientists, bioengineers and associates dedicated to the implementation and application of advanced human organ and disease models and other cutting-edge research approaches such as single cell technologies




• Recruiting, training, developing and evaluating scientific talent




• Liaise with other pRED colleagues active in the field to find synergies and possibilities to collaborate




• Managing resources and FTEs within budget




• Writing and reviewing manuscripts for publication

The position will be based in Basel, Switzerland and report to the Scientific Director of the ITB.

Who you are

• M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree, several years of experience in relevant field (academia and/or industry) with proven track record (publications, patents) and significant leadership experience allowing you to take the next career step




• International recognition in areas such as human model systems, organoids, organs-on-a-chip, microfluidics, microengineering, synthetic biology, single cell technologies, stem cell biology or tissue engineering




• Understanding of the early drug development process




• A visionary leader demonstrating VACC leadership (vision, architect, coach and catalyst) who inspires a high performing team in a highly dynamic environment to boldly innovate, collaborate and create outcomes that matter for patients.




• Excellent communication skills, strong innovative potential, be key driver moving new tools into application




• Has demonstrated matrixed leadership with collaborative mindset and behaviors

Roche is an equal opportunity employer.

Research & Development, Research & Development > Research