
Craft Your Future in Biotech
At Roche, we're on a mission to empower the next generation of talent. The Opening Up Roche (OUR) summer internship program is your gateway to an enriching experience that transcends boundaries.
We believe in the power of diverse stories and backgrounds.
Transforming Visions into Reality at Roche
We focus on finding new medicines and diagnostics and utilising data-based insights to evolve the practice of medicine and help patients live longer better lives. We bring the right treatments to the right patients at the right time. With our combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, we are better equipped to drive personalised healthcare forward.
Your impact if joining the OUR program
You will be a part of one of the many different departments across our Pharma Technical Operations (PT):
Technical Development
Product & Supply Chain Management
Quality & Compliance
Finance
MSAT & Engineering
Internal/External Manufacturing
People & Culture
Contract Development & Manufacturing Operations
Regulatory Affairs
Procurement
Cell & Gene Therapy
Strategy
Operational Excellence & Digital
Asset Health & Future Assets
You will collaborate with various stakeholders depending on the project assigned to you and contribute to business-critical decisions, transformations, and successes. The internship includes training in essential business-related concepts and access to Roche networks and resources, including training on interviewing, presentations, time management and many more.


"The OUR Program has been a truly transformative experience, unlocking new interests, giving me the opportunity to explore, and boosting my confidence. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with inspiring mentors at Roche, who have made an immeasurable and invaluable impact on me."
Sagar Domala


"The Opening Up Roche internship creates an appreciation of Pharma Technical Operations at Roche, highlighting the variety of technical, developmental and strategic functions and opportunities while fostering creativity and diversity in curious talents. It is a highly recommended program which really "opens up Roche"
Rukayat Audu


"The OUR Programme at Roche, with its commitment to equity initiatives, highlights the imminent need for addressing disparities. It fills me with immense joy and hope for the future to be part of a company that actively challenges established structures and processes."
Haleema Sarwar


"This internship has been an incredible experience. I've had the opportunity to contribute to real-life projects that impact millions of patients worldwide, all while receiving dedicated mentorship. Working hands-on within Roche has allowed me to learn a great deal about the many different aspects of the industry."
Asad-Abbas Akhter
slide 1 of 10 The Perspectives Programme is an excellent way of getting to know Roche and gain insights on how we are evolving personalised healthcare for the benefit of patients. It’s also a great way to focus on your strengths and the opportunities that lie ahead. Severin Schwan, CEO Roche
Your facts
Your facts
A student who is curious enjoys working in a team, and who thinks outside the box.
Someone willing to share their ideas and find solutions to challenges while considering their own and other perspectives.
A Team player, who is eager to learn and find new ways of doing things.
You are currently studying for your bachelor's and master's degree in Switzerland, Germany, or the UK (it doesn’t matter what you are studying- really).
You have a high interest in getting to know the technical operations of the healthcare industry.
You are confident using Microsoft or Google applications such as Sheets, Excel, and PowerPoint (This is a plus but training will be provided.)
OUR was developed for students who may find it difficult to advance through university and into a career, due to barriers that lay in their path. This summer internship will provide career opportunities while removing barriers. You will have the opportunity to explore business areas outside your typical scope of education.
Roche fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion, representing the communities we serve. When dealing with healthcare on a global scale, diversity is an essential ingredient of success. We believe that inclusion is key to understanding the varied healthcare needs of people. Together, we embrace individuality and share a passion for exceptional care. Join Roche, where every voice matters.
Phase I:
Our focus in the first stage is to understand why you have applied for this role and what you will bring to the role to ensure we are a right fit for each other.
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As part of your (one-page) cover letter, Roche is keen to understand how you would bring your unique self to the OUR program and your motivation in applying for this position. You should, therefore, respond to the following:
» If you had to choose a single example or achievement in your life that shows your unique self and would make you suitable for this role, what would it be and why? How does this unique experience and perspective contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion in a professional setting?
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Tip: Avoid being generic, we want to know what makes you unique!
Please note that any application without a cover letter will be automatically rejected.
Phase II:
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Video Interview (you will be required to answer a few questions within a short period of time. This video will be recorded).
Phase III:
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Virtual Interview (two interviewers will have a conversation with you to give you a deeper insight into the program and get to know you better).
Applications will be open in March. Please check the Roche Job Board for the posting. Phases II and III will happen between April and June. A recruiter will contact you should your application be successful at the various stages.
FAQs
FAQs
This will depend on the location of the intern. If you are based in CH, hybrid work is possible. You will have to relocate to Basel and housing will be provided (if needed). If you are based in DE, hybrid work is possible if you live close to either of the Penzberg/Mannheim sites. Otherwise remote work will be offered as there is no relocation support. If you are based in UK, hybrid work is possible if you live close to the Welwyn site. Otherwise remote work will be offered as there is no relocation support. Note that the initial onboarding will take place in UK and CH respectively (all interns based in DE will join the CH onboarding). The final presentations will take place in Basel, CH. For both site visits, travel costs will be covered by the program.
This is dependent on the intern. If a part-time workload is what you prefer, then let us know in advance. We are aware that some interns will still be working on university projects, and thus, a balance can be agreed. International students will need to confirm from their university whether a full-time workload is permitted.
This is dependent on the number of available projects.
Yes. However, there are a few things to note: International/non-EU students within Switzerland will need to indicate from their university that an internship is a mandatory requirement for their studies. Otherwise, a work permit for the summer period will suffice. Please note that you will still need to confirm that you can work from July - September and indicate how many hours are permitted. International/non-EU students within Germany and the UK must indicate that they have the right to work in their country and can travel to Switzerland in September.
No. However, the final presentations will be held at the Basel Headquarters in September, which means everyone will be within the same location for that period. The actual dates will eventually be provided during the program. This will mean that you will have to ensure that all necessary travel documents are worked on prior to this. The company will sponsor the costs of travel and accommodation. International Students within the UK should note that they will need to confirm travel possibilities/restrictions from their university as well as work on their visa applications. Documents required for this will be provided.
Absolutely! This program is meant to give you your first insights into a pharmaceutical company, and thus, the lack of experience is no barrier- just ensure you come with an open mind and are ready to learn!
There are a variety of projects across the different departments in PT. You can check out the examples of some projects over the years. Matches between interns and projects will be done randomly or based on the specific interests of the intern/technical demands of the project.
Heads up, a randomised match could help you discover a different business area from your typical educational background, so if you are curious enough, we recommend going entirely out of your comfort zone!
If you are interested in a particular department, we recommend you express this during the interview. Please note that not all departments may have a project in a specific year- it is okay to ask if your interest is on the list.
Nope! All educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We just require you to be curious enough.
We have had a business administration student in the engineering department, a formulation science student in people & culture, a psychology student in supply chain, a drug design and discovery student in finance, an economics student in regulatory, and so on. Very random! But you will be provided with the necessary support to be successful with your project.
Each intern will have a dedicated mentor who will provide the necessary guidance for personal and professional development. This mentorship not only ensures tailored support but also offers a valuable opportunity to gain visibility within the organisation. Moreover, you will have the freedom to explore and expand your network by connecting with other professionals across different departments.
There is space carved for personal and professional growth. You will have the chance to explore different aspects of the company, partake in voluntary trainings and events, and build your network. Join our dedicated intern community and diverse employee resource groups, fostering a safe and inclusive space. The Roche Career Center is here for your needs, offering tailored support. Explore your interests further with various LinkedIn offerings.
Some examples of projects over the years
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Modelling The Carbon Footprint Of High-Volume Products
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Updating The Global Pharma Engineering Manual
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Supporting The Visualisation Of Data And Roll-Out Of A Digital Tool
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Increasing Efficiency And Sustainability In An R&D Analytical Laboratory
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Development And Standardization Of The Onboarding Process For New Hires
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Developing A Learning And Upskilling Journey For Key Digital And Operational Roles
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Agile Training Development And Delivery Planning
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Introducing An Approach To Measure Sustainability
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Supporting Comms For Transformation Roll Out
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Nextgen Talent Attraction For Manufacturing In Basel & Kaiseraugst
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Exploring Opportunities To Optimize The Affiliate Impact Assessment
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Supporting the Delivery of Digital Strategies