2026 Summer Intern - Mechanical Engineer - Instrument Development

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The Position

PhD Student for viral vector purification, Penzberg Site (PTCG DSP Development)

About the Department
We are dedicated to bringing game-changing viral vector-based Gene therapies from early clinical supply to market, addressing the unmet clinical need of patients to cure diseases. Our core mission is to develop safe, innovative, and effective therapies using cutting-edge technology across the entire value chain. Within the Cell and Gene Therapies area of the Pharma division, our daily work is characterized by the drive to develop world-class rAAV manufacturing processes.

The Project
This PhD project, situated within Roche’s Pharmaceutical Cell & Gene Therapy unit, aims to address the challenges in developing safe and effective purification processes for gene therapies (GT) using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as vectors. The project is focusing on mixed-mode chromatographic technologies and their implementation into a robust, industrial purification process by understanding the dependencies on other purification steps, and impacting the GT’s quality, safety, and efficacy.

Your Responsibilities

Develop and implement purification technologies that enhance manufacturing processes for viral vectors, with a focus on rAAVs by using robotic and benchtop systems.

Identify, characterize, and fully understand novel technologies related to mixed-mode chromatographic techniques for viral vector purification.

Develop strategies to improve overall process productivity and ensure manufacturability.

Proactively execute projects with internal and external partners and develop your own ideas. Support laboratory and pilot plant work through the transfer of practical skills and collaboration with technicians. Supervise students supporting the project.

Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences to contribute to the scientific community and enhance the organization's visibility.

Your Profile

You hold a Master Degree excellent qualifications in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field, coupled with experience in the downstream processing and analytics

Ideally, you have some experience in the field of virus vector technologies or therapeutic proteins, including small-scale production and process development.

You are highly motivated and are willing to work on challenging projects in a continuously progressing field, also requiring detailed investigations.

You are a strong team player, appreciate autonomous working with excellent planning and organizational skills.

You foster a collaborative and trusting relationship and enjoy working in an international environment.

Your Benefits

Flexible working hours

€3,750 monthly compensation for a full-time internship longer than 3 months

Discounted meals (–50%) in our staff cafeteria

Access to the fitness center on the Roche campus

Networking opportunities with other students

Your Application

Please upload only your CV online.

This PhD position is offered in collaboration with the Technical University of Mannheim. Please consider whether you can pursue your doctoral studies at this university.

Period: by arrangement, for a duration of 3 years (with a possibility of extension)

We look forward to receiving your application!

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Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.