Principal Scientist, Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology

Genentech, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Genentech, Inc. seeks a Senior Scientist to drive GPCR pharmacology efforts within Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology. You will shape program directions, develop advanced assays, and mentor junior scientists across multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

Located onsite in South San Francisco, CA, this role emphasizes collaboration, data analysis, and strategic leadership to advance therapeutic candidates, with relocation support and a discretionary annual bonus opportunity.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 4–12 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with GPCR assays and mechanistic pharmacology.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of GPCR assay cascades and pharmacology characterization.
• Mentor scientists, collaborate across Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Protein Sciences.
• Communicate data-driven findings to project teams and leadership.

Skills

GPCR pharmacology

receptor theory

signal transduction

allosteric modulation

biased signaling

cAMP assays

calcium flux

BRET/FRET

Beta-arrestin

data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related

Tools

CRISPR

Computational tools

Job description

The Position

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology Department. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic, highly collaborative team driving the discovery and characterization of innovative therapeutic drug candidates that could transform patient outcomes.

Operating at the intersection of cutting-edge science and drug development, you will play a crucial role in selecting and evaluating different modalities of therapeutic candidates from early-stage research to final IND candidate selection. In this role, you will apply your deep expertise in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology to establish screening assay cascades and dissect complex receptor mechanisms of action to inform target candidate profiles. You will lead and contribute to the development, optimization, and execution of sophisticated molecular pharmacology assays, acting as a primary subject matter expert on project teams and shaping program directions.

The Opportunity

• Provide Strategic Leadership: Serve as the primary GPCR expert and strategic advocate for Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology on multidisciplinary project teams, contributing both at the bench and at leadership levels to drive decision-making.
• Drive Pharmacological Characterization: Oversee and contribute to rigorous in vitro pharmacological characterization to advance lead candidates in the cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.
• Design and Implement Complex Assays: Lead the development, optimization, and execution of advanced molecular pharmacology assays—focusing heavily on protein-protein interactions, secondary messengers, and biosensors—to interrogate complex GPCR mechanisms of action in transfected and primary cells.
• Collaborate and Mentor: Work within multidisciplinary teams and provide direct scientific mentorship and strategic guidance to Scientist partners to execute complex experiments, streamline workflows, and ensure robust data analysis.
• Pioneer Technology: Demonstrate scientific curiosity by maintaining deep domain expertise and continually evaluating, adopting, and leveraging rapidly advancing technologies to evolve our pharmacological capabilities and advance next-generation therapeutics.
• Communicate Findings: Conduct comprehensive data analysis using advanced computational tools, and present high-quality scientific findings and strategic directions to internal stakeholders, project teams, and senior leadership.

Who You Are

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 4–12 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in receptor theory, signal transduction pathways, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling, along with hands‑on experience across diverse GPCR assay platforms (e.g., cAMP, calcium flux, BRET/FRET, Beta‑arrestin recruitment).
• Expertise in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.

• Passionate about dissecting complex receptor pharmacology and translating its functional impact into disease‑relevant biological readouts using advanced model systems.
• Experience working with a wide range of primary cells and gene‑editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR).

• Proven track record in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical and cell‑based assay cascades in primary and recombinant systems.

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a passion for guiding junior scientists and contributing effectively to cross‑functional teams (e.g., Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Protein Sciences…)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of delivering impactful scientific presentations to project teams and executive leadership.
• Ability to multi‑task, display a strong problem‑solving mindset and drive projects forward with a strong, self‑driven work ethic in a fast‑paced environment.

Together, we’ll advance along the whole patient journey with the aspiration to prevent, stop and cure diseases.

This is an onsite position in South San Francisco, CA.

This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of San Francisco, CA is $143,200 - $265,900 USD Annual 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.