Automation Scientist, Institute of Human Biology

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The Position

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Roche.

The Institute of Human Biology (IHB) is a newly established research center in Basel, Switzerland, dedicated to advancing human biology through the use of human model systems for translational research. Our dynamic and interdisciplinary environment fosters collaboration among biologists, engineers, and data scientists, bridging the gap between academic and pharmaceutical research. Closely associated with Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), we partner with leading academic institutions both locally and globally to address grand challenges with bold, innovative science.

The Opportunity

The Roche Institute of Human Biology (IHB) is at the forefront of groundbreaking human in vitro culture systems, demonstrating automation and robotics to drive innovation in biomedical research. We are seeking a passionate and detailed Automation Scientist to contribute to the development, optimization and implementation of advanced in vitro culture protocols on a plate based automation platform. As an integral member of a multidisciplinary and collaborative research team, you will be responsible for designing, evaluating, and deploying ground breaking in vitro culture methodologies within an automated laboratory environment. Your contributions will directly support the establishment of robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and enhance the scalability and reproducibility of human in vitro model systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to develop, validate, and implement new automation workflows for human in vitro model systems.

• Design and program various liquid handling systems for automated organoid culture, including troubleshooting and optimization processes.

• Oversee and manage the seamless operation of multiple sophisticated, scheduled workflows for automated culture systems.

• Ensure compliance with quality control standards and best practices for automated culture systems, while developing, documenting, and validating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support process standardization in a manufacturing environment.

• Stay informed on scientific advancements by reviewing literature on innovative automated in vitro culture techniques, and evaluate external products and equipment to enhance automation capabilities.

• Train, mentor, and supervise junior team members, including Research Associates and Interns.

Who you are

You are a scientist or engineer with a Msc or a PhD and extensive experience in automation for biological systems, preferably with liquid handling platforms and/or integrated robotic systems.

• Automation & Programming – Proficient in Python, C++, and workflow scripting for liquid handling systems.

• Robotic Systems & Liquid Handling – Hands-on experience with robotic pipetting, liquid handling platforms, and scheduling software.

• Workflow Design & Optimization – Ability to design, implement, and improve automated workflows with structured troubleshooting.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Strong team player in multidisciplinary environments with excellent communication skills.

• Imaging & Machine Learning (Advantageous) – Experience with high-content imaging, image analysis, and ML algorithms.

• 3D Cell Cultures & Specialized Liquids (Advantageous) – Familiarity with organoids, spheroids, tumoroids, and handling viscous liquids (e.g., Matrigel).

This is a 2-year temporary position.

Unwavering focus, collaborative teamwork and exceptional delivery are key behaviors that drive our mission of “Doing now what patients need next”. Together, we can be transformative.

If you are passionate about automation in life sciences and excited to work at the intersection of robotics, programming, and biological research, we encourage you to apply.

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.

Basel is the headquarters of the Roche Group and one of its most important centres of pharmaceutical research. Over 10,700 employees from over 100 countries come together at our Basel/Kaiseraugst site, which is one of Roche`s largest sites. Read more.

Besides extensive development and training opportunities, we offer flexible working options, 18 weeks of maternity leave and 10 weeks of gender independent partnership leave. Our employees also benefit from multiple services on site such as child-care facilities, medical services, restaurants and cafeterias, as well as various employee events.

We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and strive to identify and create opportunities that enable all people to bring their unique selves to Roche.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.