Principal Scientist, Surface Chemistry

Roche; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche seeks a talented scientist to join a team developing surface chemistries enabling NGS-based applications and consumables. You will design surface modifications, develop assays, and analyze data to optimize device performance in a multidisciplinary environment.

The role requires a strong background in surface science and materials modification, with experience in biomolecule–surface interactions and data interpretation using JMP/Python.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Chemistry or related field with surface science focus.
• Experience applying chemical principles to biomolecule–device interfaces.
• Ability to analyze complex datasets and translate findings.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop surface modifications and novel chemistries for NGS consumables.
• Characterize surface modifications and biomolecule interactions in devices.
• Engineer surface energy properties to optimize device performance.
• Support transfer from R&D to operations and analyze data.

Skills

JMP

Python

Surface science

Data interpretation

Education

BS in Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

PhD in Chemistry

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

We are seeking a talented scientist to join a team developing surface chemistries enabling NGS-based advanced applications and consumables. This position provides an exciting opportunity to work with outstanding scientists and engineers in a highly multidisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will have a broad background in surface science and device development.

The Opportunity

• You will design and develop surface modifications and novel chemistries and workflows enabling consumables for NGS applications.
• You will develop assays and methods to characterize surface modifications and surface-biomolecule interactions in complex consumable devices.
• You will drive the synthetic manipulation of material surfaces at a molecular level to precisely engineer surface energy characteristics and other properties that will ensure optimal device performance in a complex system
• You will use early stage instrumentation and SW and gain a deep understanding of the sequencing workflow and consumables.
• You will design and execute studies to determine optimal process conditions for surface modifications, including sequencing data collection and data analysis
• You will support design and process transfer from R&D to Ops.
• You will analyze complex data sets, author technical reports, and present findings and strategic recommendations to the team and the organization

Who You Are

• You have a BS degree with 7+ years of industrial experience, MS with 4+ years of industrial experience, or PhD degree with 3+ years of industrial experience in Chemistry or a closely related field, with a focus on surface science and materials modification and development of surface modifications for biomolecule analysis
• Deep understanding of chemical principles governing interactions at biomolecule-device interfaces
• Proficiency in JMP and Python to interpret complex datasets and translate findings into actionable insights

Behaviors, competencies, and qualities of the ideal applicant.

• You have experience with NGS-based applications and/or platform development, including an understanding of the critical surface requirements
• Understanding of principles and challenges of surface functionalization of microfluidic and lab-on-chip complex consumables.
• Problem-solving and data-driven solutions, with aptitude for systematically analyzing issues within multidisciplinary systems
• Experience with early stage instrumentation

Relocation Benefits are not offered for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on California is 120,100- 188,650 USD annually. 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

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.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination based upon an individual's race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, mental/physical disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.