Principal Scientist – Biomarker Development and Translational Research

Genentech; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 141,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company seeks a Principal Scientist in Translational Medicine Oncology. This role involves designing and implementing biomarker strategies in prostate cancer clinical trials, collaborating across functions, and contributing to research. Ideal candidates will possess a strong educational background and a passion for translating scientific discoveries into clinical impact.

Benefits

Relocation benefits available

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD required.
• Expertise in prostate cancer preferred.
• Experience with complex analytical methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute biomarker strategies for oncology therapeutics.
• Communicate project progress to leadership and stakeholders.
• Review biomarker-related clinical protocols and reports.

Skills

Scientific excellence in translational research

Communication skills

Interest in improving patient care

Expertise in biomarker development

Education

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, oncology, or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

The Position

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

The Principal Scientist in Translational Medicine Oncology will support one or more biomarker programs contributing to the clinical development of therapeutics in prostate cancer. The successful candidate will be a key member of the Translational Medicine sub-team, designing, developing and implementing pharmacodynamic and predictive biomarker strategies across early- and late-stage clinical trials.

This role also includes developing and leading hypothesis-driven translational research with a focus on identifying and developing novel, complex biomarkers of therapeutic response and resistance, as well as uncovering disease-specific mechanistic insights. The candidate will collaborate closely on cross-functional biomarker efforts, working with colleagues across Research, Clinical Development, Diagnostics, Computational Science, Clinical Pharmacology, Regulatory, and Biostatistics.

Strong scientific communication and collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders—including key opinion leaders (KOLs) and academic partners—will be critical to advancing their programs, translational objectives and disease area strategies in prostate cancer. The Principal Scientist is also expected to contribute to the scientific community through high-impact publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

The Opportunity:

As a member of the Translational Medicine team, you will:

• Developing and executing biomarker strategies for oncology therapeutics, from first-in-human through registrational trials.

• Partnering cross-functionally with Research, Clinical Development, Clinical Pharmacology, Biostatistics, Regulatory, and Companion Diagnostics to ensure scientific alignment and enable data-driven decision-making.

• Contributing to cross-functional project teams, ensuring alignment with overall program goals, timelines, and budgets.

• Deploying NextGen assays on our clinical program to support Development decisions and contribute to our broader translational research objectives in prostate cancer.

• Communicating project progress, challenges, and opportunities to leadership and stakeholders through presentations and reports.

• Writing and reviewing biomarker and disease related sections of clinical protocols, reports, regulatory filings, and clinical manuscript.

• Designing and implementing translational research plans leveraging clinical samples, multi-omic profiling, spatial biology, and functional assays to uncover mechanisms of response, resistance, and disease evolution.

• Contributing to external scientific engagement through collaborations and advisory boards with academic investigators, clinical trialists, and biomarker experts.

• Working closely with high-performing research, computational, and translational labs to develop biomarker assays and uncover mechanistic insights from clinical observations that inform disease biology.

• Publishing impactful research in top-tier journals and represent Genentech at scientific and medical meetings worldwide.

Who You Are:

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, oncology, computational biology, or a related field.

• Deep expertise in prostate cancer is preferred.

• Genuine interest in translating scientific discoveries into clinical impact, with a key focus on improving patient care and outcomes.

• Demonstrated track record of scientific excellence in translational research and biomarker development, ideally in a clinical drug development setting.

• Deep understanding of tumor heterogeneity, treatment resistance, and applications of cutting-edge profiling technologies to clinical questions.

• Experience with complex analytical methods to assess multi-omic data; knowledge of R and/or Python is preferred.

• Consistent record of cutting edge research and / or clinically-related science as evidenced by first- or senior-authored publications in top-tier journals

• Recognized scientific leadership as documented by references and external presentations

• Ability to demonstrate effectiveness and growth in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex science for diverse audiences.

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

Onsite presence, on our South San Francisco campus, is expected for at least 3 days a week.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $141,500 - $262,900 of hiring range. 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.