Imaging Data Scientist in High Content Screening Analysis in Lead Discovery

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Roche.

In Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development organization (pRED), we make transformative medicines for patients to tackle some of the world’s toughest unmet healthcare needs. At pRED, we are united by our mission to transform science into medicine. Together, we create a culture defined by curiosity, responsibility and humility, where our talented people are empowered and inspired to bring forward extraordinary life-changing innovation at speed.

This position is located in Lead Discovery, a department within Small Molecule Research which is part of the Therapeutic Modalities function, where the discovery of chemical starting points for further optimization in medicinal chemistry is our primary focus. 

The Opportunity

As a drug discovery research team, we continuously strive for excellence to uncover new chemical starting points addressing unmet medical needs. Here, we are offering an outstanding opportunity for a new team member in Lead Discovery with a passion for microscopy image analysis and data science.

• You are a data scientist in the field of microscopy image analysis and impact the discovery of new chemical starting points in hit & lead identification and optimization programs. You are enthusiastic about advancing our understanding of drug targets and mechanisms of action in targeted and phenotypic screening approaches.
• You apply your expertise and vision to design, implement and complete image and data analysis strategies at scale for high-content imaging screens using cellular models by both segmentation / feature extraction and machine learning-based processes, data condensation and data visualization.
• You implement innovative image analysis frameworks and QC standards to uncover complex patterns and extract relevant information from high-content imaging and screening datasets while closely working together with colleagues from the Assay Development and High Throughput Screening & Profiling teams.
• You are a crucial contributor within our multidisciplinary matrix teams and as an individual contributor collaborating across pRED, internal collaborators and external vendors and collaborators. You have the opportunity to closely interact with outstanding imaging specialists in our Data & Analytics organization, using their expertise and growing yourself in the field of image analysis.

Who you are

• We are looking for a Ph.D.-level scientist and/or >4 years of confirmed experience and a track record in microscopy image analysis, high content screening and a good understanding of drug discovery principles gained through experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industries. Experience in omics data analysis is beneficial, but not crucial.
• You apply data science methodologies and techniques to analyze, interpret and interrogate large-scale data sets and optionally bring data management experience.
• You bring hands-on experience with popular deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, Transformers) with strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R or others and have a background  in using relevant classic image analysis software tools such as CellProfiler, Imagence, ImageJ, FiJI or others. 
• You communicate clearly and concisely and can handle stakeholders efficiently in a matrix team including technical and non-technical collaborators.
• You thrive in a dynamic, inclusive environment which gives you full accountability for your own contributions and development. 

Unwavering focus, collaborative teamwork and exceptional delivery are key behaviours that drive our mission of doing now what patients need next. Together, we can be transformative.

If you are passionate about contributing to a committed team and have the dedication to partnership and innovation, Roche is the place for you! Every role at Roche plays a part in making a difference in patients’ lives. Apply now and join us in making an impact!

The scientific title of this position might be adjusted depending on the experience and seniority of the final candidate.