Scientist 2, Neuroscience Discovery & iPSC Assay Development

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 85,500 - 158,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Job summary

Genentech in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Scientist 2 in Neuroscience Discovery & iPSC Assay Development to advance discovery research. You will generate CNS cell models from human iPSCs, execute functional assays, and support disease-relevant phenotyping in a fast-paced team.

You will lead culture, banking, and quality control of iPSCs, develop robust cell-based assays, and contribute to genetic and pharmacological proof-of-concept studies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of lab experience or Master’s with 4+ years in iPSC/mammalian culture.
• Proficiency in iPSC maintenance, banking, quality control, and directed CNS differentiation.
• Experience with molecular biology, imaging, biochemical assays, and data analysis.
• Strong independent design, organization, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Culture, bank, and QC of human iPSCs; differentiate into CNS lineages (neurons, glia).
• Maintain primary neuronal cultures for functional studies.
• Design, optimize, and execute robust cell-based assays; adopt new tech when needed.
• Support genetic/pharmacological proof-of-concept studies via precise workflows.
• Generate, analyze, and document data with high reproducibility; maintain ELN records.
• Present findings to multidisciplinary teams via reports and discussions.
• Oversee iPSC lab operations and ensure reagent management and safety compliance.

Skills

iPSC culture

cell-based assays

experimental design

data analysis

scientific communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology/Molecular Biology/Neuroscience or related field

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

single-cell RNA sequencing

imaging (advanced)

NGS library prep

R/Python for data analysis

Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Scientist 2, Neuroscience Discovery & iPSC Assay Development to advance discovery research and drug development efforts within our Neuroscience team. In this role, you will leverage human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate relevant central nervous system (CNS) cell models, execute functional assays, and support disease-relevant phenotyping. You will thrive in a fast-paced, matrix environment, bringing strong scientific rigor, a proactive problem-solving mindset, and a commitment to data quality and reproducibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform culture, banking, and quality control of human iPSCs, and differentiate iPSCs into CNS cell lineages (neurons, glia) following established protocols.
• Manage and maintain routine primary neuronal cultures to support comparative and complementary functional studies.
• Design, optimize, and execute robust cell-based assays supporting neuroscience pipeline programs, implementing new technology platforms when needed.
• Support genetic and pharmacological proof-of-concept studies through precise execution of experimental workflows.
• Generate, analyze, and document complex experimental data with a focus on high reproducibility, maintaining accurate Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) records.
• Present scientific findings and actionable insights to multidisciplinary project teams via reports, presentations, and team discussions.
• Oversee iPSC lab operations, ensuring efficient shared reagent management, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols.

Who You Are

You are a curious, detail-oriented researcher who thrives in a collaborative scientific environment and is passionate about leveraging advanced cell models to transform neuroscience discovery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field with 6+ years of laboratory experience, OR a Master’s degree with 4+ years of experience in iPSC and mammalian cell culture (industry or academia).
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in human iPSC maintenance, banking, quality control, and directed differentiation into CNS cell types (neurons, microglia, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes).
• Hands‑on expertise in molecular biology, advanced optical imaging, biochemistry, molecular profiling, and executing plate‑based or high‑content imaging assays.
• Strong skills in independent experimental design, organization, critical thinking, and written/verbal communication.

Preferred

• Familiarity or hands‑on experience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, arrayed/pooled CRISPR screens, or single‑cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‑seq) workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with CRISPR/Cas9 editing in iPSCs (guide design, RNP/lentiviral/transfection delivery, clone isolation, and genomic validation).
• Experience with arrayed or pooled CRISPR screens (library preparation, transduction, NGS sample prep).
• Familiarity with single‑cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‑seq) workflows and data interpretation using R and/or Python.

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $85,500 to $158,700.

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.

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.

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.

Who We Are

Genentech, a member of the Roche group and founder of the biotechnology industry, is dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. To solve the world's most complex health challenges, we ask bigger questions that challenge our industry and the boundaries of science to transform society. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The next step is yours.