Principal Scientist, Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Benefits package

Job summary

Genentech, Inc. in South San Francisco seeks a Senior Scientist to lead GPCR pharmacology initiatives. You will develop and apply advanced molecular pharmacology assays, interpret complex data, and guide project teams toward IND-ready candidates.

PhD with 4–12 years of experience required; strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills are essential. Onsite role with relocation assistance and a competitive salary structure.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related field with 4–12 years postdoc/industry experience.
• Deep expertise in GPCR pharmacology, receptor theory, signal transduction, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling.
• Experience across GPCR assay platforms (cAMP, calcium flux, BRET/FRET, Beta-arrestin).
• Experience with primary cells and gene editing (CRISPR).
• Strong leadership and ability to mentor scientists and work in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership as GPCR expert on multidisciplinary teams.
• Oversee in vitro pharmacological characterization to advance lead candidates.
• Design and optimize complex molecular pharmacology assays in transfected and primary cells.
• Collaborate and mentor Scientist partners to execute experiments and analyze data.
• Present findings to stakeholders and leadership.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance pharmacological capabilities.

Skills

GPCR pharmacology

In vitro pharmacology

Molecular pharmacology assays

Leadership & mentoring

Data analysis & presentation

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology or related field

Tools

cAMP

Calcium flux

BRET/FRET

Beta-arrestin recruitment

Primary cell work & CRISPR

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.