Scientist Synthesis Automation

Roche seeks a Senior Scientist in Basel to lead synthesis automation within its pRED Medicinal Chemistry team, focusing on digitalization and high-throughput experimentation.

This position sits within the Medicinal Chemistry Team of Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development organization, specifically supporting the Dolphin group. The primary objective is to accelerate the production of chemical compounds by integrating automation and digital tools into the workflow. The role emphasizes the expansion and execution of advanced synthetic technologies, including parallel chemistry and late-stage functionalization.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out multi-step organic synthesis and purification processes to produce high-quality molecules for biological testing.
• Design and operate high-throughput experiments on a miniaturized scale utilizing automated laboratory equipment.
• Develop and introduce new synthetic methods, such as reaction miniaturization, photochemical transformations, and small-scale purification techniques.
• Create high-quality datasets from chemical reactions to support machine learning initiatives.
• Propose and apply practical solutions to technical and synthetic challenges.
• Work with project teams to guide opportunities in late-stage functionalization, library synthesis, and other digital or automation applications.
• Manage internal teams and coordinate with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) located in Europe and China.
• Act as the primary liaison for parallel synthesis activities across sites in Basel, Shanghai, and San Francisco.

Requirements

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum of four years of experience in an industry setting.
• Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and laboratory digitalization.
• Proficiency in automation technologies, including solid dosing and liquid handling, integrated with analytical and purification methods.
• Strong background in developing synthetic methodologies and hands-on small molecule synthesis.
• Experience in evaluating and implementing digital and automation solutions within chemical labs.
• Understanding of machine learning concepts for reaction prediction and experience in gathering reaction data.
• Familiarity with applying parallel medicinal chemistry approaches to solve relevant problems.
• Proven ability to build cross-functional and international relationships, including stakeholder management and academic collaborations.
• Demonstrated skill in agile work distribution and prioritization between internal staff and CRO partners.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a track record of leading matrix teams without formal positional authority.

What the company offers

• A workplace culture that values personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, ensuring employees are respected and accepted.
• A mission focused on transforming science into medicines to address unmet healthcare needs.
• The chance to work on cutting-edge innovations at the intersection of automation, digitalization, medicinal chemistry, and compound synthesis.

About the company

Roche is driven by a mission to prevent, stop, and cure diseases while ensuring everyone has access to healthcare, both today and for future generations. The company’s culture is built on the pillars of curiosity, responsibility, and humility.

• Fostering an environment where personal expression and open dialogue are encouraged.
• Valuing genuine connections among employees.
• Upholding principles of curiosity, responsibility, and humility.