Pilot Plant Technical Specialist II

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech, a member of Roche's Pharma Technical Development, seeks a Pilot Plant Technical Specialist II to advance cell culture capabilities in a non-GMP pilot plant. You will lead 50L–1000L SUB and Ambr250 operations, mentor peers, and drive process improvements across development stages.

You hold a life sciences degree and bring hands-on large-scale cell culture experience, strong troubleshooting and communication skills, and a collaborative mindset to accelerate life-changing therapies.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in life sciences or equivalent.
• Hands-on cell culture experience in biotech/pharma.
• Hands-on Large-Scale Cell Culture operations (50L–1000L SUB) or Ambr250 systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication; team player.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic equipment and collaborate cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture operations (50L–1000L SUBs, Ambr250) and support new technology development in a non-GMP Pilot Plant.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization; prep, operate, and clean bioreactors, centrifuges, autoclaves, and tubing sets.
• Execute routine maintenance, calibrations, and troubleshooting for analyzers, bioreactors, and probes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors; provide feedback for process optimization and safety.
• Maintain accurate run records and act as SME to mentor colleagues.

Skills

Cell culture operations

Biotech/pharma experience

Troubleshooting

Documentation/ALCOA

Communication skills

Mentorship

Education

BA/BS in life sciences

Tools

Ambr250

Bioreactors

pH/DO probes

Job description

As a Pilot Plant Technical Specialist II within Genentech and Roche’s Pharma Technical Development organization, you will play a vital role in advancing drug development in our Cell Culture Pilot Plant. Operating in a collaborative, non-GMP pilot plant environment, our team accelerates technical development and integrates new technologies across all phases of drug development. This position offers an exciting opportunity to expand your technical cell culture expertise, mentor peers, and contribute to life‑changing therapies.

The Opportunity:

Perform cell culture operations (50L–1000L SUBs, ambr250) and support new technology development projects in a non-GMP Pilot Plant across all phases of drug development. Maintain overall facility cleanliness and organization while prepping, operating, and cleaning bioreactors, centrifuges, autoclaves, and tubing sets.

Execute routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and weekly/monthly calibrations for equipment such as analyzers, bioreactors, and pH/DO2 probes. Collaborate and interact effectively with cross‑functional customer groups and external vendors. Provide actionable feedback and recommendations for process optimization, continuous safety improvements, and potential cost/FTE savings.

Maintain accurate run records in databases, e-tickets, and summaries in full alignment with ALCOA data integrity criteria. Work independently and serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide functional guidance and mentorship to colleagues.

Who you are:

• You hold a BA/BS degree in life sciences or an equivalent qualification.
• You bring prior hands‑on cell culture experience within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• You have prior hands‑on experience with Large-Scale Cell Culture operations (50L–1000L SUB) or ambr250 systems.
• You demonstrate a proven ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, learn quickly, and perform basic equipment troubleshooting.
• You are a positive team player who collaborates effectively with diverse teams and varying project objectives.
• You possess strong written and verbal communication skills.

Relocation benefits are not available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based in California is $91,800.00 - $170,600.00 USD Annual. 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

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. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

Who We Are

Genentech, a member of the Roche group and founder of the biotechnology industry, is dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life‑threatening diseases. To solve the world's most complex health challenges, we ask bigger questions that challenge our industry and the boundaries of science to transform society. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The next step is yours.

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. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.