Scientist 3/4, Complex in Vitro Systems

Genentech; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech’s Complex in Vitro Systems (CiS) Lab seeks a Scientist 3/4 to develop and qualify advanced human-relevant in vitro models. You will culture and characterize stem cells and iPSCs, build 3D and organoid platforms, and design assays to evaluate phenotypes and viability.

The role emphasizes ocular applications but welcomes broader stem cell biology expertise. You will collaborate with Development Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Research to translate model findings into drug discovery

Qualifications

• Experience with mammalian cell culture including human stem cells and iPSC culture.
• Experience developing and working with advanced in vitro systems (3D cultures, organoids, spheroids, co-cultures).
• Experience with assays to evaluate cellular phenotype, viability, differentiation, function, or perturbation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand human stem cell and iPSC cultures with differentiation and characterization.
• Design and execute experiments to establish reproducibility and relevance of complex in vitro models.
• Develop functional and phenotypic assays (cytotoxicity, immunofluorescence, imaging, molecular profiling).
• Support ocular complex in vitro models including retinal and related systems to inform drug discovery.
• Apply rigorous experimental design and troubleshooting for scalable workflows.
• Analyze multidimensional datasets and communicate findings to collaborators.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Stem cell biology

iPSC culture

3D/Organoid models

Assay development

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Stem Cell Biology/related field

Tools

qRT-PCR

Transcriptomics

Proteomics

Immunofluorescence

Confocal microscopy

Live-cell imaging

Job description

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