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 Lead Organoid Engineering for the Institute for Translational Bioengineering (ITB)supports the establishment of a newly formed scientific group in pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development) 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 Lead Organoid Engineering is responsible for establishing a cutting-edge R&D program to develop, validate and implement stem cell-derived human model systems with a focus on improving their robustness, predictability, scalability and pathophysiological function through advanced bioengineering. The Lead Organoid Engineering will support the Scientific Director of the ITB (Matthias Lutolf) to achieve pRED's long-term goals of transforming science into medicines. This is a rare opportunity to be involved in supporting the creation and growth of a new and exciting Institute that brings together scientists and engineers from around the world.

Core tasks and responsibilities:

• Establishment of a cutting-edge R&D program to develop, validate and implement next-generation stem cell-derived human model systems




• Development (and/or) implementation of

  
  
  
  

  • short-, medium- and long-term cross-disciplinary strategies to advance organoid-based predictive human model systems, both internally and through the use of external innovation, together with the Scientific Director

  
  

  • research plans and strategies for the implementation of novel tools to support a rapidly evolving portfolio

  
  

  • advanced organoid models (with more physiological cell-/tissue-type complexity, shape/size and robustness) enabling improved assessment of drug safety, metabolism and pharmacokinetics

  
  

  • advanced patient-derived, immune-competent tumoroid models comprising key components of the tumor microenvironment

  
  

  • advanced organoid models and phenotypic screening assays for early drug discovery

  
  

Skills and capabilities:

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




• Extensive experience with human 3D stem cell culture and organoids, bioengineering, organs-on-a-chip, cell and molecular biology, imaging, single cell analysis, quantitative biology and/or computational approaches




• Expertise in organoid derivation and characterization, phenotypic screening, image processing and analysis are considered an asset




• Understanding of the early drug development process




• Strong personality with demonstrated leadership skills capable of managing a high performing team in a highly dynamic environment




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




• Has demonstrated matrixed leadership with collaborative mindset and behaviours