Pilot Plant Technical Specialist II

Genentech; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech’s Pharma Technical Development group seeks a Pilot Plant Technical Specialist II to advance drug development in the Cell Culture Pilot Plant. The role offers hands-on cell culture work in a non-GMP setting, mentoring peers, and contributing to life-changing therapies.

The position involves operating 50L–1000L SUBs and ambr250 systems, calibrations, and cross-functional collaboration, with focus on data integrity and continuous improvement. California-based salary ranges apply.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in life sciences or equivalent qualification.
• Hands-on cell culture experience in biotech/pharma.
• Experience with large-scale cell culture (50L–1000L SUB) or ambr250.
• Ability to learn quickly and troubleshoot equipment.
• Team player with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture operations (50L–1000L SUBs, ambr250) in a non-GMP Pilot Plant.
• Maintain cleanliness and organize facility; prep, operate, clean bioreactors, centrifuges, autoclaves, tubing sets.
• Execute routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibrations for equipment (analyzers, bioreactors, pH/DO2 probes).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Provide feedback for process optimization and safety improvements; seek cost/FTE savings.
• Maintain run records in databases with ALCOA data integrity.
• Serve as SME, mentor colleagues and provide functional guidance.

Skills

Cell Culture

Bioreactors

Large-Scale Culture

Ambr250

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Mentorship

Education

BA/BS in Life Sciences

Tools

pH Probes

Analyzers

Autoclaves

Centrifuges

Bioreactors

Job description

The Position

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.

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.