Principal Scientist, Structural Biology

SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening); South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Discretionary annual bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Genentech's Department of Protein Sciences in South San Francisco seeks a Principal Scientist to lead structural biology strategies, focusing on protein dynamics and drug discovery. The role combines protein production, purification, and high‑resolution structure determination to provide actionable insights.

You will mentor teams, use cryoEM and X‑ray crystallography, and apply molecular dynamics to guide target evaluation and lead optimization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Computational Biology, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant post‑doctoral experience in industry, academia or a research organization.
• Expert in molecular modeling techniques and structural biology methods, including cryoEM or X‑ray crystallography.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural biology strategy and execution within multi‑disciplinary drug discovery teams.
• Oversee protein construct design, expression, purification, and high‑resolution structure determination by cryoEM and/or X‑ray.
• Solve and analyze structures of target protein complexes bound by small molecules, peptides, antibodies or other formats.
• Utilize computational tools with experimental data to characterize protein dynamics.
• Translate dynamics insights into strategies for target assessment and lead optimization.
• Mentor colleagues in computational tools and dynamics methods; develop workflows or training materials.

Skills

Molecular modeling

CryoEM

X-ray crystallography

Protein dynamics

Drug discovery

Collaborative leadership

Communication

Project leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Computational Biology

Tools

cryoEM

X-ray crystallography

Molecular dynamics

Job description

The Position

The Department of Protein Sciences at Genentech seeks an exceptional structural biologist with a focus on protein dynamics to join its Structural Biology group. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in protein production and purification, structure determination of protein and protein-ligand complexes, and an expert in the use of computational and experimental techniques to characterize and understand protein dynamics and ligand binding. Our department offers a highly interdisciplinary environment for drug discovery and biomedical research, with state-of-the-art resources and unparalleled opportunities for scientific collaboration. We integrate macromolecular crystallography, cryoEM, and other methods to drive drug discovery and uncover fundamental biology. Our group designs constructs, purifies proteins, and analyzes their structures and molecular interactions. We collaborate with scientists throughout the Research and Drug Discovery organization to advance discovery of therapeutics.

The Opportunity

• Lead structural biology strategy and execution within multi-disciplinary drug discovery project teams, offering actionable structural insights.
• Oversee protein construct design, expression, purification, and high-resolution structure determination using cryoEM and/or X-ray crystallography.
• Solve and analyze structures of target protein complexes bound by small molecules, peptides, antibodies or other therapeutic formats.
• Utilize state-of-the‑art computational tools alongside experimental data (cryoEM, HDX) to characterize the dynamics of biological macromolecules.
• Translate protein dynamics insights into actionable strategies for target assessment, protein construct and reagent design, hit finding, lead identification, lead optimization or other steps of drug discovery.
• Empower and mentor colleagues in applying computational tools and dynamics/ensemble methods to accelerate drug discovery projects. When appropriate, develop workflows, documentation or training materials.

Who You Are

You are a passionate, collaborative expert motivated by scientific excellence and a desire to deliver innovative solutions for patients worldwide. You thrive in cross‑functional environments and lead through scientific influence, open dialogue, and mutual respect.

• You hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Computational Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• You have a minimum of 3 years of relevant post‑doctoral experience in industry, academia or a research organization.
• An expert in molecular modeling techniques such as molecular dynamics simulation, structural ensemble modeling, ensemble docking and/or related techniques.
• You have demonstrated expertise in biomolecular structure determination via cryoEM or X‑ray crystallography.
• You have a proven track record leveraging insights into protein or protein‑ligand molecular dynamics to enable, accelerate, and/or improve target identification, pocket discovery, binder discovery, ligand optimization and/or other steps of drug discovery.
• A collaborative leader who knows how to guide, inspire and motivate colleagues and teams based on scientific merit and mutual respect, rather than organizational hierarchy.
• Highly organized, with great attention to detail, strong communication and excellent interpersonal skills.

Preferred

• You have experience executing or overseeing protein construct design and purification workflows for structural characterization and/or assay development.
• You bring hands‑on experience in ligand discovery or lead optimization projects within a multidisciplinary drug discovery environment.
• You possess demonstrated expertise in virtual docking, free energy perturbation (FEP), or related computational chemistry workflows.
• You have a demonstrated interest or experience in protein language models, machine learning for protein design, computational or laboratory automation, or related topics.

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

This is an office- and lab‑based position in South San Francisco, CA.

This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

Please include a cover letter with your application.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of San Francisco, CA is $150,700.00 - $279,900.00USD 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.

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to join our team. Depending on the candidate's depth of experience, technical expertise, and leadership background, this role may be leveled at the Senior Principal Scientist level.

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.