RPF Post Doctorate Scientist - 3D Segmentation of Organoids

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The Position

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The position 

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (m/f/d) in the Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Data and Analytics Department, you will focus on developing novel methods for 3D segmentation of organoids, morphology analysis, and cell identification in tandem with the Immune & Cell Biology department in Large Molecule Research (LMR). 

You will work with a team of experienced scientists and biologists to develop computer vision models focusing on biological insights. These models will enable label-free detection and tracking of cell types in 3D organoid models, enhancing our understanding of cellular dynamics and morphology. This innovative approach will support ongoing efforts in various therapeutic areas by improving cellular composition and organoid variability analysis. By leveraging advanced imaging techniques and AI, this project aims to accelerate the development of targeted therapies and optimize drug screening processes, ultimately contributing to Roche's commitment to pioneering advancements in healthcare.

The role involves developing an AI-driven image analysis pipeline to enable the study of 3D biological models, leading to a deeper understanding of the mode of action of therapeutic molecules. This initiative focuses on detecting and tracking cell types without the need for fluorescent labels, utilizing advanced imaging techniques. The project aims to automate the analysis of large 3D imaging datasets, addressing a significant bottleneck in research and accelerating the development of targeted therapies. By establishing a comprehensive imaging pipeline, the workflow will enable live readouts and detailed characterization of cellular composition and states over time. This approach is expected to significantly impact the screening and characterization of therapeutic AAV vectors, ultimately contributing to improved drug discovery.

The position is sponsored by the Roche Postdoctoral Fellowship (RPF) Programme, which aims to build and maintain the scientific leadership of the future and provide leading Roche scientists with the opportunity to collaborate with talented postdoctoral researchers and leading academic research groups worldwide. One key aim is to advance fundamental science and technologies, which will be published in top-rated, peer-reviewed scientific journals, if necessary, and preceded by priority patent applications.

As a postdoctoral fellow (m/f/d), you will be supervised by scientists at Roche and an independent academic expert as a partner. The duration of the RPF project is initially set for two years, with the possibility of an extension for a third year. You will be based in Munich with stays at our academic partner.

You are a PhD graduate in a Data Science related field (e.g., Statistics, Computer Science, Biomedical engineering). To be eligible for a Roche Postdoctoral Fellowship, you must be within the first four years of completing your PhD in a relevant field at the start of the project. The RPF project is initially set for two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension.

You have experience and expertise in the following:

• A PhD in a relevant field, such as artificial intelligence, imaging, sensors, biology, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline.

• To be eligible for a Roche Postdoctoral Fellowship, you must be within the first four years of completing your PhD in a relevant field at the start of the project.

• Excellent understanding of quantitative data analysis, statistics, and machine learning.

• Prior experience in Python and deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow) for imaging data analysis, including setting up and training neural network architectures from scratch.

• Prior experience with 3D imaging data and segmentation methods.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information.

• A publication record demonstrating independent and creative research.

• Fluency in English.

Additional Experience and Competencies Preferred:

• Familiarity with High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure.

• Prior experience or a solid understanding of organoid biology is advantageous.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the host teams and other stakeholders to develop and evaluate potential analysis techniques and applications.

• Design, build, and interpret data analysis algorithms to address selected research questions, including data pre-processing

• Prepare scientific communication content (presentations, reports, conference abstracts, and manuscripts) to share the project results with a broader community. 

You have excellent interpersonal skills, can build good working relationships, and are an outstanding teammate. Your experience and investigative attitude allow you to work independently, to design, perform, and interpret experiments, and to embark on new scientific methodologies.

You have been actively engaged in scientific research continuously since your PhD and are ready to start an RPF postdoctoral activity no later than 4 years after completing your PhD.

When does it start?
This fellowship's start date is May 2025 or on availability. Please clearly indicate your preferred starting date on your motivation letter.
All applications must include a CV, a motivation letter, a publication list, and a copy of your PhD certificate, if available.

Roche earnestly embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

More information about the RPF Programme: https://careers.roche.com/global/en/the-roche-postdoctoral-fellowship-programme

We look forward to receiving your application!

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Who we are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

Roche at Penzberg, near Munich, employs more than 7,000 people. The site is one of the largest biotechnology centers in Europe and the only Roche site with research, development and production for both Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics under one roof. From your beginning with Roche, our motivated team will welcome and support you. Numerous opportunities for personal development, flexible work hours, attractive compensation packages and special family assistance programs are available.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.