Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Complex in Vitro Systems

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The Position:

The Complex in Vitro Systems (CiS) Lab within the Department of Translational Safety is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist to develop, characterize, and qualify advanced complex in vitro models to support Genentech’s mission of delivering safe and efficacious medicines. The CiS group partners closely with colleagues across Development Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Research to establish and implement innovative platforms that enable target assessment, lead optimization, and safety evaluation across a dynamic portfolio, novel modalities, and emerging therapeutic areas.

In this lab-based role, you will provide scientific and technical expertise to support the development and implementation of human iPSC-derived ocular complex in vitro models (CIVM) including retinal organoids, for drug development. Responsibilities include culturing and characterizing state-of-the-art ocular CIVM models, designing and executing model qualification and characterization studies (e.g., advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and functional and phenotypic assays), analyzing and interpreting complex datasets; and maintaining rigorous, high-quality documentation. The Scientist will be expected to share scientific insights across functional teams, contribute to cross-disciplinary collaborations, and support internal and external publication efforts.

This position is ideal for an experienced scientist passionate about advancing disease modeling and translational safety through innovative complex in vitro and stem cell based approaches. The successful candidate will excel in a dynamic, collaborative research environment, demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills, and effectively communicate across scientific disciplines to contribute to the development of cutting-edge ocular disease models and help shape the future of ocular drug discovery and development.

The Opportunity: 

• Establishing and implementing innovative in vitro ocular model systems including iPSC-derived retinal organoids and integrated retinal organoid retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) co-culture platforms to support disease modeling, mechanistic studies, and ocular risk assessment.

• Designing and executing experiments to characterize retinal models, including evaluation of cell viability, morphology, photoreceptor health, and RPE barrier integrity and function, using techniques such as cytotoxicity assays, confocal and high-content imaging, transepithelial resistance/permeability assays, and transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.

• Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams within and outside gRED to align ophtha complex model building with therapeutic strategies and program needs.

• Analyzing, interpreting, and clearly communicating study results to collaborators and stakeholders, and contributing to internal and external scientific presentations as appropriate.

• Maintaining comprehensive electronic documentation in accordance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contributing to study reports, safety assessments, and final deliverables.

Who You Are:

• PhD degree in biology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, or a related field with hypothesis-driven research in industry or academia; compensation and title commensurate with experience

• For Senior Scientist (0-4 years) and for Principal Scientist (5+ years) of post-PhD experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academia, or research organizations, with a strong focus on complex in vitro ocular systems.

• Expertise in developing, qualifying, and applying 3D ocular tissue models, retinal organoids, co-culture systems, and microphysiological or microfluidic platforms, to support drug discovery and translational research is a strong plus.

• Proficiency with quantitative and qualitative characterization techniques such as qRT-PCR, scRNA-seq, proteomics, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, live-cell and time-lapse imaging, high-content imaging/screening, and analysis of data generated from these assays.

• A collaborative, team-oriented scientist who prioritizes shared objectives and communicates effectively across disciplines, with a strong work ethic grounded in scientific rigor, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.

• Strong scholastic record with demonstrated independent thought, creativity, and technical proficiency in the relevant discipline, as evidenced by co-authored publications.

• Strong organizational and communication skills are necessary; experience writing detailed SOPs.

• Ability to analyze, integrate, and clearly communicate/present data to colleagues is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with stem cell based systems and ophthalmology background is a strong plus. Additional desirable skill sets include cell engineering, application of design of experiments (DOE) methodologies, and computational data analysis and/or programming:compensation and title commensurate with experience

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, California is $120,700- $224,100 (Senior Scientist) and $141,500- $262,900 (Principal Scientist)  Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.  This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.

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Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

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