Principal Scientist I - Reagent/Assay Development

Roche Holding AG; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche Holding AG seeks a Principal Scientist I, Reagent/Assay Development to lead hands-on lab work, experimental design, data analysis and troubleshooting for next-generation sequencing applications. You will collaborate with automation, software, engineering, quality, and operations to support product development and transfer to manufacturing.

The role emphasizes reagent optimization, assay development, and process transfer, with guidance on quality and manufacturability, and a strong emphasis

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. is preferred, with 8–10 years of experience.
• Proven expertise in assay optimization, versatile laboratory practice, and robust experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments to evaluate and optimize reagent performance and manufacturing tolerances.
• Design, develop, and validate assays to assess quality of reagents.
• Establish manufacturing processes for reagents and transfer to operations.

Skills

Python

DOE

experimental design

data analysis

automation

troubleshooting

communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry

Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Laboratory automation systems

Automation instrumentation

Statistical software

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

As a Principal Scientist I, Reagent/Assay Development will contribute to the development and optimization of reagents and assays for next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications. This role combines hands-on laboratory work, experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting to improve reagent and workflow performance, robustness, and manufacturability. The scientist will work closely with cross-functional teams, including automation, software, engineering, quality, and operations, to support product development and transfer to manufacturing.

The Opportunity

• Conducting experiments to evaluate and optimize the performance of reagents, including assessing their stability, formulation, and manufacturing tolerances.
• Designing, developing, and validating assays to assess the quality of both incoming and manufactured reagents.
• Contributing to the establishment of manufacturing processes for reagents and transferring these processes to operations.
• Analyzing experimental data, forming conclusions and suggesting future experiments, generating reports, and presenting findings to project teams.
• Identifying and resolving issues related to reagent performance, assay development, or manufacturing processes.
• Working closely with other scientists, engineers, and operations personnel to ensure the successful development and implementation of new reagents.
• Adhering to good laboratory practices, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the proper maintenance of laboratory equipment, laboratory spaces, and inventory
• Keeping up-to-date with scientific literature and technological advancements in the field of reagent development.

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience with NGS workflows, reagent development, and assay development in a product-development environment.
• A Master's degree or Ph.D is preferred, as well as 8–10 years of experience
• Proven expertise in assay optimization, versatile laboratory practice, and robust experimental design

Behaviors, competencies, and qualities of the ideal applicant.

• Experience with laboratory automation and automated instrumentation, including workflow development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Python or other relevant programming languages for data analysis, visualization, and/or automation.
• Strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and process optimization is a plus.
• Experience collaborating with automation, software, and mechanical engineering teams is a plus.

Relocation Benefits are not offered for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position is based on the primary location of California is $110,500 - $173,800. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors p permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed in this link.

Benefits

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche 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.