Scientist 3/4, Complex in Vitro Systems

Genentech; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech, in San Francisco, seeks a Scientist 3/4 to develop and qualify advanced human-relevant in vitro models. You will culture stem cells and iPSCs, build organoid and 3D systems, and apply assays to evaluate phenotype, viability, and function.

You will design experiments, analyze complex data, and document rigorously while collaborating across disciplines. The role emphasizes ocular applications but welcomes strong stem cell biology experience across complex in vitro platforms.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Toxicology, or related; 6+ years for Scientist 3, 12+ for Scientist 4.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture, especially human stem cells/iPSC culture, differentiation, characterization.
• Experience with advanced in vitro systems (3D cultures, organoids, spheroids, co-cultures, tissue models, MPS).
• Strong understanding of cell/tissue biology; assays for phenotype, viability, differentiation, function.
• Characterization techniques: qRT-PCR, transcriptomics, proteomics, immunofluorescence, confocal imaging, high-content imaging.
• Experimental design, troubleshooting, method development, reproducibility assessment.
• Ability to independently execute studies, analyze data, and draw clear conclusions.
• Collaborative, cross-disciplinary communicator with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand human stem cell and iPSC cultures, including differentiation, maturation, cryopreservation, quality control, and phenotypic characterization.
• Design and execute experiments to establish reproducibility and biological relevance of complex in vitro models.
• Develop and apply functional and phenotypic assays (cytotoxicity, viability, immunofluorescence, imaging, molecular profiling, functional readouts).
• Support ocular complex in vitro models (retinal, RPE, vascular, organoid, co-culture) for drug discovery and translational questions.
• Apply rigorous design and troubleshooting to establish reproducible, scalable workflows.
• Analyze multidimensional datasets and convey findings, limitations, and recommendations clearly.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align development with program needs.
• Maintain electronic documentation and contribute to reports, presentations, and publications.

Job description

The Position

Why Genentech

We advance science so that we all have more time with the people we love.

The Position

The Complex in Vitro Systems (CiS) Lab within the Department of Translational Safety is seeking a highly motivated Scientist 3/4 to develop, characterize, and qualify advanced human-relevant in vitro models to support Genentech's mission of delivering safe and efficacious medicines. The CiS group partners closely with colleagues across Development Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Research to establish and implement innovative platforms that enable target assessment, drug discovery, and safety evaluation across a dynamic portfolio, novel modalities, and emerging therapeutic areas.

In this lab-based role, you will provide scientific and technical expertise in stem cell culture, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived systems, 3D cell and tissue models, and complex in vitro platforms. Responsibilities include culturing and characterizing advanced cellular models, designing and executing model development and qualification studies, establishing functional and phenotypic assays, analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, and maintaining rigorous, high-quality documentation.

The Scientist will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop and apply complex in vitro models that address biological and translational questions. While the role will have an emphasis on ocular applications, candidates with strong general expertise in stem cell biology, iPSC-derived models, organoids, 3D culture systems, or other complex in vitro platforms are encouraged to apply.

This position is ideal for an experienced experimental scientist passionate about advancing drug discovery and translational research through innovative stem cell-based and human-relevant in vitro approaches. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, collaborative research environment, demonstrate strong experimental and problem-solving skills, and effectively communicate across scientific disciplines.

The Opportunity

• Maintain and expand human stem cell and iPSC cultures, including differentiation, maturation, cryopreservation, quality control, and phenotypic characterization.
• Design and execute experiments to establish the reproducibility, robustness, and biological relevance of complex in vitro models.
• Develop and apply functional and phenotypic assays using approaches such as cytotoxicity and viability assays, immunofluorescence, confocal and high-content imaging, molecular profiling, and functional readouts.
• Support the development and application of ocular complex in vitro models, including retinal, RPE, vascular, organoid, and co-culture systems, to address drug discovery and translational questions.
• Apply rigorous experimental design, troubleshooting, and protocol optimization to establish reproducible and scalable workflows.
• Analyze and interpret multidimensional datasets and clearly communicate findings, limitations, and recommendations to collaborators and stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams within and outside gRED to align model development and experimental strategies with program needs.
• Maintain comprehensive electronic documentation in accordance with departmental procedures and contribute to study reports, scientific presentations, and internal or external publications.

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS in Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Toxicology, or a related discipline, with relevant research experience in industry or academia. For the Scientist 3 level, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant research experience and for the Scientist 4 level, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with 12+ years of relevant research experience is required.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, with significant experience in human stem cells and/or iPSC culture, differentiation, and characterization.
• Experience developing and working with advanced in vitro systems, such as 3D cultures, organoids, spheroids, co-cultures, tissue models, or microphysiological systems.
• Strong understanding of cell and tissue biology and experience developing assays to evaluate cellular phenotype, viability, differentiation, function, or response to perturbation.
• Experience with relevant characterization techniques, which may include qRT-PCR, transcriptomics, proteomics, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, live-cell imaging, high-content imaging/screening, and functional assays.
• Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills, with demonstrated experience in method development, protocol optimization, and reproducibility assessment.
• Ability to independently execute laboratory studies, analyze and interpret data, and translate experimental findings into clear scientific conclusions.
• A collaborative, team-oriented scientist who communicates effectively across disciplines and demonstrates scientific rigor, attention to detail, adaptability, and a strong commitment to high-quality research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ocular or retinal biology, including retinal organoids, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), retinal vascular cells, photoreceptors, or other relevant ocular cell types, is a significant plus but is not required.
• Experience with functional characterization of epithelial or endothelial systems, including barrier, permeability, or related tissue-level assays.
• Experience with cell engineering, genome editing, automation/high-throughput workflows, or design of experiments (DOE).
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines and rapidly learn and implement new biological model systems.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $100,400 to $186,400 for a Scientist 3 and $124,800 to $231,800 for a Scientist 4.Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Relocation benefits are not available for this position.

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.