Internship in Innovation & Sustainability - For students in the field of Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering

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

Our Global Internship Programme in Innovation & Sustainability (#IP2TIS) offers a unique opportunity for passionate individuals to gain hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry while making a positive impact on the world.

Are you ready to join a global network spanning 20+ countries, where bright minds collaborate to tackle real-world challenges in Innovation & Sustainability? Do you want to work on impactful projects, shape the future, and drive change from within?

As an intern, you will contribute to a project focused on developing responsible end-of-life practices for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing waste streams in the pharmaceutical industry. The project aims to assess current disposal and recycling approaches for PFAS-containing materials, evaluate environmental risks and treatment options, and support Roche in defining safer and more future-oriented waste management practices. Within your first 3 months, you are expected to help develop a comparative analysis of PFAS disposal technologies in Europe and the USA, assess degradation and by-product risks from incineration, recommend responsible disposal practices for Roche sites, and explore implications for PFAS-containing products such as vials, medical devices, and diagnostic components. Your work will support Roche’s sustainability priorities by helping reduce environmental emissions, protect water resources and habitats, and strengthen responsible product stewardship in light of increasing PFAS regulation. This internship offers the opportunity to work on a highly relevant environmental challenge with direct practical impact.

The Opportunity

• Develop a comparative analysis of current state-of-the-art technologies for PFAS disposal in Europe and the USA

• Assess potential degradation pathways and by-products from PFAS incineration at different temperature levels

• Recommend responsible waste disposal practices for Roche sites in alignment with waste management requirements

• Analyze possible implications for the disposal of PFAS-containing Roche products such as vials, medical devices, and diagnostic products

• Explore options for recycling of PFAS-containing materials, including fluoropolymers

• Use the Basel and Kaiseraugst sites as practical examples for assessment and recommendation development

• Review and synthesize scientific literature relevant to PFAS treatment, disposal, and environmental impact

• Engage with relevant stakeholders to support the development of practical and scientifically grounded recommendations

Who You Are

You are enrolled or have completed your Master’s or PhD studies at a university, preferably in the field of Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering within the last 12 months and are interested in applying your knowledge in a modern working environment as part of an internship of at least 3 months.

Furthermore you are

• Knowledgeable about chemical processes in the environment and interested in environmentally relevant waste treatment topics

• Able to process and synthesize scientific literature into clear and practical insights

• Familiar with environmental impact assessment approaches such as life cycle assessment

• Comfortable working independently and proactively engaging with stakeholders who support the project

• Fluent in German and English

If you meet most but not all qualifications, we still encourage you to apply.

Additional information

The internship is expected to start between 1 and 16 July 2026 and will last at least 3 months.

For more information about IP2TIS and to explore other opportunities within the programme, please visit go.roche.com/ip2tis_26._

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.