Postdoctoral Fellow - Protein Sciences, Ciferri Lab

Genentech; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 106,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Professional development workshops

Networking opportunities

Job summary

Genentech in South San Francisco is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Protein Sciences - Structural Biology Group. You will investigate critical protein complexes involved in DNA repair and advance our understanding of biological mechanisms.

This position offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, opportunities for groundbreaking research, and a supportive post-doctoral training environment. A competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $106,500 is provided.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. or be scheduled to receive a Ph.D. by 2026.
• Strong record of first-author publications in top peer-reviewed journals.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented researcher.
• Able to work independently and in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the structure and mechanism of action of protein complexes involved in DNA repair.
• Conduct research that focuses on cutting-edge biomedical questions.
• Participate in Genentech’s post-doctoral training program.

Skills

Protein purification

Biophysical characterization

Structure determination

X-ray crystallography

Single-particle cryo-EM

Strong communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field

Job description

The Position

We advance science so that we all have more time with the people we love.

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available for a highly motivated and independent candidate to join our Protein Sciences - Structural Biology Group at Genentech, under the mentorship of Dr. Claudio Ciferri, Vice President of Protein Sciences. The Fellow will investigate the structure and mechanism of action of critical protein complexes involved in DNA repair and RNA regulation. Our ideal candidate is a self-motivated researcher who already has specific, independent project ideas they are eager to develop and lead from day one.

The Opportunity

The Department of Structural Biology within Protein Sciences is a world-leading research and drug discovery organization focusing on cutting‑edge biomedical questions. You can pursue challenging and important problems that aim to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms that would advance our understanding of human physiology in health and disease. You will have access to fully equipped state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including two Titan Krios and two Glacios microscopes equipped with Direct Detectors and Energy Filters, a virtually unlimited computer cluster for data processing, and the opportunity to be fostered in one of the most productive and scientifically stimulating research environments. You will be part of Genentech’s post‑doctoral training program that provides an outstanding environment and the opportunity to pursue fundamental basic science questions in an environment focused on drug discovery and breakthrough discoveries.

Who You Are

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field or be scheduled to receive a Ph.D. by 2026.
• Expertise in protein purification, biophysical characterization, and structure determination of multi‑protein complexes using X‑ray crystallography and/or single‑particle cryo‑EM is required, as evidenced by a strong record of first‑author publications in top peer‑reviewed journals.
• Highly motivated and detail‑oriented researcher, driven to solve complex scientific problems, and able to work both independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in protein engineering along with biophysical characterization methods for protein‑protein interactions, such as surface‑plasmon resonance (SPR) or bio‑layer interferometry (BLI), will be considered a plus.

More information about the Ciferri Lab

https://www.gene.com/scientists/our-scientists/claudio-ciferri

Relevant Publications

Yu C et al., (2026). Architecture and function of holocentric CENP‑A‑independent inner kinetochores. Sci Adv. 2026 Jun 19;12(25)

Koo CW et al. (2026). Rad55‑Rad57‑SHU paralog complex dynamically promotes Rad51 filament formation. Mol Cell. in Press.

Koo CW et al. (2026). BCDX2‑CX3 and DX2‑CX3 complexes assemble and stabilize RAD51 filaments. Nature. 2026 May;653(8115):952-961

Kschonsak M. et al., (2023). Cryo‑EM reveals an unprecedented binding site for NaV1.7 inhibitors enabling rational design of potent hybrid inhibitors. Elife. 2023 Mar 28:12:e84151.

Kschonsak M. et al. (2022). Structural architecture of the human NALCN channelosome. Nature. 2022 Mar;603(7899):180-186

Kschonsak M. et al. (2021). Structures Of HCMV Trimer Reveal The Basis For Receptor Recognition And Cell Entry. Cell.

Kschonsak M. et al. (2020). Structure of the sodium leak channel NALCN. Nature 2020 Jul 22. doi: 10.1038/s41586-020-2570-8

Kumar N. et al. (2020) Structure of the Secretory Immunoglobulin A Core. Science 367(6481):1008-1014. DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz5807

Martinez‑Martin et al. (2018). An Unbiased Screen for Human Cytomegalovirus Identifies Neuropilin‑2 as a Central Viral Receptor. Cell. 2018 Aug 23;174(5):1158-1171

Postdoc Program

Elevate your research career to new heights with Genetech’s Postdoctoral Program! Join a prestigious community of early career scientists and kick‑start your journey toward becoming a scientific leader in biotechnology. With competitive salaries and fully funded research expenses, you can dedicate yourself to groundbreaking research that aligns with Genentech strategic ambitions.

The postdoc program is designed to empower recent Ph.D. graduates to conduct world‑class research, publish in top‑tier journals, and build a robust scientific network. By joining us, you will receive the mentorship and support necessary to develop into an independent scientist and leader.

The Genentech Postdoc Program provides access to world‑class seminars, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco California is $100,000 to $106,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

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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