Senior Research Associate AAV E2E Production

Roche seeks a Senior Research Associate to lead end-to-end rAAV production and process optimization within the Viral Technologies team in Basel.

This position sits within the Viral Technologies team under the Large Molecule Research and Nucleic Acids-Based Medicines department at pRED. The primary objective is to manage the full lifecycle of recombinant adeno-associated virus production while driving process improvements and analytical advancements to enhance the existing platform.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and support the research-scale end-to-end rAAV production platform, including the development of upstream and downstream processing steps.
• Perform analytical testing on in-process and final product samples to characterize rAAVs, adhering strictly to standard operating procedures.
• Identify critical process parameters, troubleshoot issues, and optimize workflows to maximize efficiency and product quality.
• Manage laboratory logistics, including equipment maintenance, ordering supplies, and general lab organization.
• Draft experimental protocols and generate internal reports within the electronic laboratory documentation system in compliance with guidelines.
• Analyze experimental data and communicate findings during internal and external scientific meetings to support decision-making.
• Work closely with counterpart teams located at other global sites to ensure alignment and collaboration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in the life sciences sector.
• Proven hands-on experience with viral vectors, with a strong preference for recombinant adeno-associated viruses.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, ELISA, Western Blot, plasmid design, and molecular cloning.
• Extensive background in cell culture and sterile techniques within BSL2 environments, including transient transfection and transduction.
• Solid understanding of key methods for rAAV purification and characterization.
• Demonstrated comfort and competence working in BSL2 settings.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Nice to have

• Specific prior experience with rAAVs, which is preferred over experience with other viral vector types.

What the company offers

• A workplace culture that values personal expression, open communication, and authentic professional relationships.
• The chance to engage in cross-functional projects across various disease therapeutic areas.
• Opportunities to collaborate with peer teams at other Roche sites globally.

About the company

Roche is dedicated to preventing, stopping, and curing diseases while ensuring global access to healthcare. With over 100,000 employees, the company drives innovation for a healthier future, empowering staff to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and maintain high ambitions.

• Focus on preventing, stopping, and curing diseases.
• Commitment to ensuring everyone has access to healthcare.
• Empowerment to explore new possibilities and foster creativity.
• A global workforce of more than 100,000 employees advancing science.