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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.
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.
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.
Requirements
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.