Job Detail

PostDoc in Analytical Research & Development (2 years contract)

Inseriert am: 12.07.2021

The position


The Analytical Research & Development department (PTDC-A) is part of Global Technical Development and responsible for analysing drug substances and dosage forms of synthetic molecule development products. The “Hyphenated & Special Technologies (HST)” section provides key scientific customer support with Mass Spectrometry (MS), separation sciences and innovative special technologies. Within the HST section, the oligonucleotide analytics team verifies the safety and quality of our oligonucleotide drug substances and drug products by identity testing and characterization of impurities.


As Postdoc in Analytical Research & Development with focus on Mass Spectrometry and Sequencing of Oligonucleotides, you are mainly responsible for the following tasks:



  • You investigate different analytical tools for new and alternative ID testing methodologies for oligonucleotides with more than 20 nucleotide units like siRNA, sgRNA or mRNA


  • You are responsible for the identification and characterization of different oligonucleotides with highly sophisticated MS techniques, like high-resolution mass determination and high-resolution MS/MS sequencing for base sequence confirmation


  • For larger oligonucleotides you are responsible for the development of an enzymatic digestion process with subsequent clarification of the fragment base sequence by high-resolution MS/MS sequencing


  • You develop a robust and reproducible biochemical sample preparation technique, which allows the analysis of modified oligonucleotides with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Furthermore, you will evaluate possibilities for isomeric impurity characterization


  • For technical and scientific networking, you will collaborate with Roche colleagues from different sites, e.g. with colleagues from Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen (RICC), Penzberg or San Francisco


  • You will support global, cross-functional teams and present scientific results to stakeholders


  • You will innovate current oligo workflows together with the team and seek for opportunities to foster Digital Transformation



Who you are:


We are looking for a candidate that holds a Doctorate degree in natural science (biochemistry, proteomics, chemistry, pharmacy, food chemistry or equivalent).



  • Hands-on experience in accurate mass and sequencing confirmation by mass spectrometry coupled with chromatography (e.g. LC-high-resolution MS or LC‑MS/MS) for identification and characterization of oligonucleotides or proteins


  • Experience in the enzymatic digestion of high molecular weight oligonucleotides (>20mers) or proteins and subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis for sequence determination


  • Knowledge on bioanalytical techniques (e.g. PCR or ELISA) or experience with Next generation Sequencing (NGS, e.g. the Illumina or NanoPore sequencing) would be a big plus


  • Experience in working with GeneData Expressionist® and developing workflows for automated processing, analysis and reporting of MS data would be a plus



In addition, you fulfill the following requirements:



  • Strong coordination skills, self-driven, proactive, solution-oriented, efficient and reliable attitude


  • Enjoy developing new methods in the lab and working with sophisticated instruments


  • Excellent teamplayer, also in global cross-functional teams


  • Working style motivated by flexibility, pragmatism, responsibility and innovation


  • You are open and curious and enjoy applying modern technologies to further optimize existing ways of working


  • Excellent command of written and spoken English



Are you ready to apply? Roche embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building teams that represent a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. 


If you still have questions then please check our FAQs and videos on careers.roche.ch/faq.


For non-EU / EFTA citizens: Please state your eligibility status to work in Switzerland (e.g. B-Permit, C-Permit) and note that if you do not own a valid Swiss work permit, Roche cannot guarantee your final employment due to authority regulations.

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