Principal Scientist and Group Leader, Antibody Engineering

Genentech; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 158,000 - 263,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Job summary

Genentech's Antibody Engineering department seeks a visionary Principal Scientist to lead a bench-based lab team advancing molecular formats and translating exploratory biology into transformational medicines for patients.

You will collaborate across Discovery Biology, Structural Biology, Translational Science and Technical Development to de-risk platforms, define molecular requirements for projects, and drive innovation toward next-generation therapeutics while fostering an inclusive lab

Qualifications

• PhD required or applicants from postdoctoral positions.
• Demonstrated expertise in both protein engineering and biology.
• Foundational understanding of protein stability and protein-protein interactions with methods for their characterization.
• Sustained productivity with publications, patents, or external presentations.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage a bench-focused laboratory team, fostering technical growth, innovative research, and effective execution.
• Advance internal technological capabilities by developing novel methods and predictive assays to de-risk emerging therapeutic formats.
• Define molecular requirements for therapeutic projects and lead cross-functional teams to identify and advance next-generation clinical candidates.
• Drive platform innovation across emerging biotherapeutic mechanisms, potentially including induced proximity, receptor agonism, targeted therapeutics, or ADCs.
• Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing lab culture built on curiosity, scientific rigor, and open communication.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary research partners across Discovery Biology, Structural Biology, Translational Science, and Technical Development to integrate biological activity with clinical manufacturability.

Skills

Protein engineering

Biology

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD in biochemistry, chemical biology, structural biology, or related field

Job description

The Position

Why Genentech

We’re passionate about delivering on Our Promise to improve the lives of patients and create healthier communities for all. We foster a culture of inclusivity, integrity and creativity while boldly pursuing answers to the world’s most complex health challenges and transforming society.

The Opportunity

Genentech’s Department of Antibody Engineering is seeking a visionary Principal Scientist to lead a high-impact laboratory team at the forefront of biotherapeutic innovation. In this role, you will pioneer breakthrough protein technologies that seamlessly bridge molecular developability with optimized biological function to advance our biologics pipeline. Operating in a collaborative and highly interdisciplinary environment, you will develop molecular formats that interrogate complex disease biology, translating exploratory science into transformational medicines for patients.

• Direct and manage a bench-focused laboratory team, fostering technical growth, innovative research, and effective execution.
• Advance internal technological capabilities by developing novel methods and predictive assays to de-risk emerging therapeutic formats.
• Define molecular requirements for therapeutic projects and lead cross-functional teams to identify and advance next-generation clinical candidates.
• Drive platform innovation across emerging biotherapeutic mechanisms, potentially including induced proximity, receptor agonism, targeted therapeutics, or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
• Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing lab culture built on curiosity, scientific rigor, and open communication.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary research partners across Discovery Biology, Structural Biology, Translational Science, and Technical Development to integrate biological activity with clinical manufacturability.

Who You Are

We are seeking candidates with a passion for innovation, creativity, and commitment to translational science and drug development. Prior research experience with antibodies is not essential.

• PhD in biochemistry, chemical biology, structural biology, or a related field. We encourage applications from candidates with extensive prior experience as well as those coming directly from postdoctoral positions.

• Demonstrated expertise in both protein engineering and biology, including a proven track record of applying innovative molecular engineering approaches to resolve complex biological questions or therapeutic challenges.
• Foundational understanding of protein stability and protein-protein interactions along with methods for their characterization.
• Sustained track record of productivity and substantial scientific contributions, evidenced by publications in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, issued patents, and/or notable external scientific presentations.
• Strong collaborative mindset with exceptional written and verbal communication skills and a passion for translating science into drugs.

Location

• This is an office based role based in South San Francisco.
• Relocation benefits are available for this posting

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of CA is $141,500.00 - $262,900.00 USD. 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.