Principal Toxicologist-Scientist

Roche; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech/Roche is seeking a Principal Scientist in Translational Safety Toxicology to lead safety assessments across multiple development programs, including novel modalities. This role blends toxicology with translational and clinical insights to inform risk, dose selection, and strategy.

The candidate will synthesize complex data, design GLP/non-GLP safety programs, and interact with global regulators. On-site presence in South San Francisco is required, with a strong emphasis on

Qualifications

• PhD and post-doctorate or equivalent experience in toxicology or related field.
• 3+ years in pharma/biotech/CRO industry related to toxicology.
• Experience in drug development with strong data interpretation and decision making.
• Experience with global regulatory authorities is highly desired.
• Oncology and/or non-oncology therapy areas with diverse modalities desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety assessment of Genentech therapeutics with weight-of-evidence approach.
• Design and implement safety programs across discovery through late-stage development.
• Collaborate with pathologists, translational scientists, pharmacologists, clinicians, and regulators.
• Author regulatory documents and represent interactions with health authorities.
• Publish and present to advance external scientific standing and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Skills

Toxicology expertise

Regulatory experience

Data analysis & interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Decision making

Education

PhD in Toxicology or related field

Post-doctorate or equivalent

Job description

Translational Safety Toxicologists provide scientific leadership across drug development, from early research through clinical development and marketed products. This Principal Scientist role is intended for an entry level portfolio toxicologist who can assume toxicology and safety leadership for multiple fast-moving development programs, including programs involving novel modalities and novel, accelerated, or otherwise nontraditional regulatory strategies. The successful candidate will integrate toxicology, pathology, pharmacology, translational, and clinical information to identify and contextualize risk, shape development strategy, and enable timely, high-quality decisions.

Working in a collaborative team environment, the Principal Scientist leads the safety assessment of Genentech therapeutics by creating a best weight-of-evidence synthesis of existing knowledge and comprehensive investigations of toxicologic activity, strategic planning, and designing/implementing/supervising toxicology studies in support of program advancement. The role combines toxicological evaluation and contributes visibly to the scientific and strategic direction of cross-functional portfolio development teams, the broader toxicology leadership, and senior decision makers.

The Opportunity

• Serve as project toxicologist for multiple complex development programs across therapeutic areas and modalities and contribute to overall program development on interdisciplinary project team
• Design and implement safety assessment strategies to support program advancement and decision-making from discovery and candidate selection through regulatory milestones and later-stage development, as needed.
• Partner closely with pathologists, study operations professionals, translational scientists, pharmacologists, clinicians, and regulatory colleagues to design fit-for-purpose GLP and non-GLP safety programs that answer key development questions efficiently
• Rapidly synthesize complex or incomplete datasets, leverage the external literature, and develop clear weight-of-evidence positions that support risk assessment, dose selection, study design, and program decisions.
• Anticipate potential target-, modality-, or mechanism-related safety issues and design or lead investigative and mechanistic studies in collaboration with pathologists and subject matter experts.
• Proactive management of potential safety liabilities and communication of impact to teams, leadership, and governance committees
• Contribute to and incorporate new approach methodologies (NAMs) that strengthen translation and decision making.
• Identify opportunities to refine study design and reduce or replace animal use where scientifically appropriate, while maintaining robust safety assessment and regulatory readiness.
• Author regulatory documents and presentations; represent Translational Safety and Genentech/Roche in interactions with health authorities and support programs using novel, accelerated, or otherwise nontraditional regulatory strategies.
• Advance the external scientific standing of Genentech/Roche through high-quality publications, presentations, scientific collaborations, and participation in relevant professional or industry forums.
• Lead or provide support to inter- and intra-departmental initiatives.

Who You Are

Principal Scientist

• PhD and post-doctorate or equivalent experience in toxicology or a relevant field along with a minimum of 3+ years relevant experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology/CRO industry related to toxicology.
• Experience in drug development demonstrating strong decision making, complex problem solving and critical data analysis and interpretation required.
• Experience in written/verbal interaction with global regulatory authorities are highly desired.
• Experience in oncology and/or non-oncology therapy areas leveraging different therapeutic modalities such as small molecules, biologics, ADCs and cell and gene therapy is highly desirable
• Demonstrate strong decision-making, complex problem solving, critical data analysis and interpretation, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build productive cross-functional collaborations both within and external to Genentech
• Board certification in toxicology is desirable.

Location

South San Francisco, California

This is not a fully remote position. Regular on-site presence in South San Francisco is an essential expectation of the role. On-site presence required at least 3 days per week.

Relocation benefits are not available for this position.

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

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.