R&D Specialist

Roche; Sant Cugat del Vallès; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche is seeking an R&D Specialist to contribute to development and lifecycle maintenance of diagnostic products. You will plan and execute laboratory experiments, analyze results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a regulated setting.

You will support method development, troubleshooting, and equipment qualification while maintaining high quality standards and clear documentation. English communication is required as part of team interactions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or related field.
• Alternative qualification with lab experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform laboratory experiments, including sample preparation and analytical testing.
• Develop and optimize biochemical and analytical methods within a regulated environment.
• Analyze data, identify trends and deviations, and contribute to troubleshooting.
• Document activities and results according to quality standards and SOPs.
• Communicate results through reports and meetings, including in English when required.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Experiment planning

Data interpretation

Documentation practices

English communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant science

Vocational training or advanced technical qualification with lab experience

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

As an R&D Specialist, you will contribute to the development and lifecycle maintenance of diagnostic products across areas such as clinical chemistry, immunoassays, coagulation analytics, and mass spectrometry. You will plan and execute laboratory experiments, analyze and document results, support method development and troubleshooting activities, and collaborate with R&D colleagues and cross-functional partners in a regulated environment.

Your key responsibilities

• Plan and perform laboratory experiments, including sample preparation, preparation of solutions and buffers, analytical testing, application work, and execution of complex test series.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of biochemical, immunodiagnostic, and analytical methods, including experimental design and evaluation of different testing conditions.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, identify trends, correlations, and deviations, and contribute to troubleshooting and root-cause investigations.
• Document experimental activities and results accurately and in accordance with applicable quality standards, SOPs, data-integrity principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and communicate experimental results through technical reports and project/team meetings, including communication in English when required.
• Support the operation, maintenance, calibration, and qualification of laboratory equipment and analytical systems, including documentation of deviations where applicable.
• Collaborate with colleagues and cross-functional partners on development, product maintenance, regulatory, and technical activities, sharing knowledge and contributing to problem-solving.
• Contribute to a safe, collaborative, and high-quality laboratory environment, supporting colleagues, continuous improvement activities, and knowledge sharing across the team.

Who you are

You have a Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific discipline, such as chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, biology, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, or a related field.

Alternatively, you may have completed relevant scientific vocational training or an advanced technical qualification, combined with appropriate laboratory experience.

You also bring:

• Hands-on laboratory experience with biochemical, biological, medical, diagnostic, or analytical methods.
• Knowledge of one or more relevant areas such as chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, clinical chemistry, diagnostics, or analytical sciences.
• Experience working with analytical instruments and laboratory equipment.
• Ability to plan and execute experiments with an increasing level of independence and responsibility.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate experimental results and identify deviations or potential causes of problems.
• Good documentation skills and attention to detail.
• An understanding of working according to SOPs, quality requirements, and laboratory safety standards.
• Good working knowledge of English.
• A collaborative mindset, curiosity, and willingness to learn, share knowledge, and contribute across different areas of the team.

Nice to have

Experience in any of the following would be an advantage, but is not required:

• IVD, diagnostics, medical devices, or regulated laboratory environments
• Immunoassays, clinical chemistry, coagulation, or mass spectrometry
• Assay or analytical method development
• Troubleshooting and root-cause analysis
• Design of Experiments (DoE) or statistical analysis
• ISO/IVDR requirements or regulatory documentation
• Equipment qualification, calibration, or deviation management

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.