Principal Scientist - Oligonucleotide Design and Chemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Job summary

Roche in South San Francisco is seeking a Principal Scientist (Group Leader) to drive the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel oligonucleotide modalities for drug discovery. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, mentor scientists, and partner with biology and biochemistry to translate data into rapid decisions.

The role emphasizes technical leadership across the nucleic-acid portfolio, with responsibilities spanning strategy, lab operations, and cross-team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Oligonucleotide Chemistry, or related field with 3+ years postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Hands-on knowledge of siRNA and/or ASO therapeutics, including synthesis, purification, analytics, and backbone modifications/delivery technologies.
• Proven track record leading scientific initiatives and driving cross-functional collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of novel oligonucleotide modalities (ASOs, siRNAs, saRNAs).
• Lead and mentor junior scientists in synthesis, troubleshooting, and analytical characterization.
• Collaborate with biology/biochemistry teams to design in vitro/in vivo assays and interpret data.

Skills

Oligonucleotide chemistry

Scientific leadership

Communication

Bioconjugation techniques

Education

PhD in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry or related

Tools

Bioconjugation techniques

Job description

The Opportunity

The Therapeutic Modalities and Technologies group in the Protein Sciences organization at Genentech is responsible for the design and generation of new therapeutic modalities that combine the engineering and analytical principles of multiple scientific disciplines. We are excited to be at the forefront of therapeutic design by generating molecules with unique mechanisms of action. We are seeking a talented and dynamic individual with extensive oligonucleotide experience to join our team as a Principal Scientist (Group Leader), and support our nucleic-acid based medicines portfolio. This role offers a significant opportunity to impact our science and pipeline by leading the design and synthesis of novel oligonucleotides for drug discovery programs. The successful candidate will be a technical leader taking on responsibilities across the portfolio.

• Drive Pipeline Innovation: Lead the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of novel oligonucleotide modalities (e.g., ASOs, siRNAs, saRNAs) across drug discovery programs.

• Lead & Mentor: Guide and mentor junior scientists in chemical synthesis, troubleshooting, impurity profiling, and analytical characterization.

• Champion Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partner closely with biology and biochemistry teams to design in vitro/in vivo assays, interpret complex data, and facilitate rapid decision-making.

• Shape Strategy: Serve as a technical authority across the nucleic-acid portfolio, communicating scientific progress, key milestones, and insights to multidisciplinary project teams and stakeholders.

• Lab Excellence: Manage cutting-edge laboratory instrumentation and maintain smooth, efficient lab operations to accelerate research outcomes.

• Inspire Team Culture: Foster an open, highly collaborative, and inclusive environment that encourages bold scientific curiosity and innovative problem-solving.

Who You Are

You are a passionate, collaborative scientific leader with deep technical expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry who thrives in a team-oriented research environment.

• Education & Experience: Ph.D. in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Oligonucleotide Chemistry, or a closely related field, with 3+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience.

• Modality Expertise: Strong hands-on knowledge of siRNA and/or ASO therapeutics, including synthesis, purification, analytics, and fluency with diverse backbone modifications and delivery technologies.

• Scientific Leadership: Proven track record of leading scientific initiatives, mentoring team members, and driving cross-functional collaborations (evidenced by publications or patents).

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred

• Bioconjugation Skills: Experience in designing optimized oligonucleotide conjugates, linker discovery, or bioconjugation optimization is an asset.

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.

At Roche, you’ll thrive in a culture that values different perspectives and creates a place of belonging, where we challenge ourselves to excel and achieve strong results, together.

This position is located in South San Francisco and is an on-site research position.

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $143,200.00 - 266,000.00 USD. Annual 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.