Platform Head, Roche Cell and Organoid Biorepository (RoCOB)

Roche seeks a Platform Head to lead the Roche Cell and Organoid Biorepository (RoCOB) in Basel, overseeing strategy, operations, and team development for cell and organoid assets.

This leadership position directs the Roche Cell and Organoid Biorepository (RoCOB) within the 360 Labs Chapter of the Strategy, Portfolio & Operations function in pRED. The roleholder serves on the 360 Labs leadership team, collaborating with the Global Head to define and execute the platform's strategic direction.

Responsibilities

• Define and refine the strategic roadmap for the RoCOB platform, covering the generation, quality control, large-scale cryopreservation, characterization, and inventory management of cell lines and organoid assets.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for a diverse scientific team, fostering operational excellence and continuous innovation.
• Identify and implement process improvements and emerging technologies to boost efficiency and throughput.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality and compliance standards while achieving RoCOB's strategic goals.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships across pRED's therapeutic areas with discovery leaders and research teams.
• Drive the standardization of processes to position RoCOB as a trusted, high-performing resource within the organization.

Requirements

• PhD in cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or a related life science discipline.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in academia and/or the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
• Deep theoretical and practical expertise in cell culture, expansion, and cryopreservation technologies.
• Hands-on experience with pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs/hESCs), primary cells, 3D organoid line generation, and quality control methodologies.
• Extensive background in large-scale biorepository operations, inventory management, ATCC standards, and best practices.
• Knowledge of human tissue procurement protocols, donor consent frameworks, licensing, and regulatory/compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication skills with high fluency in English.

Nice to have

• Proven effective leadership of a biobanking-focused group.
• Established track record of scientific accomplishments via publications or conference presentations.
• Awareness of emerging technologies in cell banking, including automation approaches.

What the company offers

• Opportunity to lead a unique platform supporting diverse needs across exploratory research and discovery.
• Culture defined by curiosity, responsibility, and humility where people are empowered and inspired.
• Thriving workplace environment where collaborative mindset is valued alongside professional expertise.
• Dynamic, inclusive environment giving full accountability for personal contributions and development.

About the company

Roche is a global healthcare company with more than 100,000 employees dedicated to advancing science to ensure healthcare access. The company's mission is to transform science into medicines to tackle unmet healthcare needs. The Strategy, Portfolio & Operations (SPO) function fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability to ensure smooth asset transitions.

• Culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections where employees are valued, accepted and respected.
• Mission to transform science into medicines to tackle unmet healthcare needs.
• SPO fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability to ensure smooth asset transitions.
• More than 100,000 employees dedicated to advance science and ensure healthcare access.