PhD Clinical Science Fellow (Neuroscience)

Biopharma Careers; Welwyn Hatfield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche UK in Welwyn Garden City invites applications for a two-year Clinical Science Fellowship in Product Development Clinical Science. A recent PhD or PharmD with neuroscience focus will gain in-depth drug development experience across start-up, execution and analysis activities.

The fellowship offers exposure to protocol development, investigator interactions, data interpretation and scientific writing, with opportunities to rotate across therapeutic areas and build leadership and

Qualifications

• PhD or PharmD, with a background in neuroscience, preferably neurodegenerative diseases.

Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of the products in Roche's pipeline and key business skills for a global pharmaceutical setting.
• Interact with Study Management Team meetings to understand developing molecules into medicines.
• Enhance scientific communication through internal presentations, medical congresses and professional meetings.
• Possibly gain short-term experience in another Clinical Science area or department (e.g., Safety Science, Clinical Operations, Regulatory or Data Sciences).
• Network with current and former Fellows for development support and knowledge sharing.
• Develop soft skills such as networking, leadership and cross-functional teamwork.

Education

PhD or PharmD, neuroscience background

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

Imagine working for an organisation that focuses on putting people at the heart of what they do. Where every single person within the organisation is aligned to one main motivating force, that at the centre of everything they do, and their number one priority; patients. A place that gives every individual the autonomy and empowerment to make a difference, where you are not defined by a job title. Imagine waking up every morning feeling fulfilled, having purpose and meaning in your work.

Who we are?

We are a pioneer in pharmaceuticals, advancing science to help people in the UK live longer and healthier lives. For over 120 years we have created truly differentiated medicines for cancer, the immune system, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system.

We work from bench to bedside - researching new medicines, running global clinical trials, and collaborating with the NHS to try to ensure rapid uptake and delivery of our products and services. Our drive, every day, is to ensure our medicines reach those who need them as soon as possible.

Clinical Science Fellowship programme

The purpose of the two-year Fellowship program, based at our Global Development site in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, is to provide a recent PhD graduate (completed or due to complete their post-graduate academic studies imminently i.e. thesis submitted) with the opportunity to gain specialized, in-depth training and experience in drug development at Roche, a global, research-focused healthcare company. The successful candidates will gain valuable Phase II/III clinical development experience within the Product Development Clinical Science department.

There is one Clinical Science Fellow position offered in our Neurodegeneration group (starting January 2027). Fellows have the unique opportunity to shape the future clinical development in areas such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

The Opportunity

Patient safety and the development of effective medications for patient care is our primary goal at Roche. The priority of Product Development Clinical Science is to ensure that benefit outweighs risk and we are developing medications that are serving patients with a high unmet treatment need. The primary platform to develop these medications is through effective clinical trial design and execution. Depending on the stage of the program, the successful candidate may assist in (1) start-up activities such as developing protocols, Informed Consent Forms (ICFs), Electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs) and engaging with study teams including vendor set-up, (2) study execution activities such as responding to investigator/site/ethics/health authority questions, being responsible for ongoing medical data review, and oversight of protocol deviations and (3) study analysis activities such as data interpretation and authoring of documents e.g. Clinical Study Reports.

The following are examples of activities the successful candidate will experience during the Fellowship program:

• Develop an understanding of the products in the company pipeline and key business skills needed to work successfully in a global pharmaceutical company
• Interact with other Pharma Development functions in the Study Management Team meetings in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges of developing molecules into medicines
• Enhance scientific communication skills through internal presentations, medical congresses and professional meetings
• A possibility for short term experience in another Clinical Science therapeutic area or department such as Safety Science, Clinical Operations, Regulatory or Data Sciences
• Opportunity to network with current and previous Fellows in Clinical Science, for development support and knowledge sharing.
• Develop soft skills e.g.networking, leadership and cross functional team work

Who you are

You are someone who wants to influence your own development and are looking for a company where you have the opportunity to experience clinical development through the eyes of the Clinical Science function to help guide you with future career choices.

Qualifications

• PhD or PharmD, with a background in neuroscience, preferably neurodegenerative diseases.

Application Process

Application submission by candidates: 6th October 2026.

• Phase I: CV and a cover letter review.
• Phase II: Video Interview.
• Phase III: Final interview round at Roche UK head office (Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire). Expected date in November 2026

Please note your cover letter should not exceed one page.

As part of your cover letter, Roche is keen to understand your motivation for applying for this position. You should, therefore, provide responses to the following questions:

• What is your key motivation for applying for this program?
• What is your current scientific area of expertise?
• What is the status of your PhD?
• What skills or experience will you bring to the role?
• What personal qualities will you bring to the role?
• What interests and activities do you have outside of work and study

Visa and Work Authorization

Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must already hold valid authorisation to work in the UK.

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.

Statement

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Opportunity

At Roche Products we believe diversity drives innovation and we are committed to building a diverse and flexible working environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability or age.

We recognise the importance of flexible working and will review all applicants’ requests with care.

At Roche difference is valued and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer where you are encouraged to bring your whole self to work.