Scientist 3, mRNA Display, Peptide Therapeutics

Genentech; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company is seeking a Scientist 3 to advance their mRNA display platform and contribute to peptide therapeutics. The ideal candidate will have expertise in peptide chemistry and molecular biology, working in a collaborative environment to drive innovation and discovery processes.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in peptide drug discovery or related field.
• Hands-on experience with mRNA display and peptide library design.
• Ability to apply computational tools for structure prediction.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform mRNA display selections for peptide discovery.
• Construct and screen diverse peptide libraries to identify high-affinity binders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance peptide hits.

Skills

Peptide chemistry

Molecular biology

Display technologies

Analytical characterization

Computational modeling

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Bioorganic Chemistry, Chemical Biology or Molecular Biology

Tools

LC-MS

Job description

Scientist 3, mRNA Display, Peptide Therapeutics

Join to apply for the Scientist 3, mRNA Display, Peptide Therapeutics role at Genentech

Scientist 3, mRNA Display, Peptide Therapeutics

Join to apply for the Scientist 3, mRNA Display, Peptide Therapeutics role at Genentech

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The Position

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Scientist to contribute to cutting-edge efforts in macrocyclic peptide discovery, with a strong focus on advancing our mRNA display platform. This role is ideal for a technically skilled and creative individual with deep expertise in peptide chemistry, molecular biology, and display technologies who is passionate about advancing new therapeutic modalities. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to design, execute, and optimize discovery workflows and play a key role in the development of next-generation peptide therapeutics.

• Design and perform mRNA display selections for peptide discovery against therapeutic targets.
• Construct and screen diverse peptide libraries to identify high-affinity binders with favorable drug-like properties.
• Oversee high-throughput automation systems to enhance mRNA display selection processes, driving greater experimental efficiency and higher data quality.
• Lead continuous innovation in mRNA display platforms by advancing library design, selection strategies, and downstream analyses to identify drug-like peptides with optimal properties.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in biology, chemistry, and data science to advance peptide hits toward optimized leads.
• Analyze selection and screening data, and contribute to SAR studies to improve potency, permeability, and bioavailability.
• Support ongoing optimization of platform technologies, including improvements in selection strategies, library design, and downstream analysis.
• Communicate scientific findings and project progress in internal meetings and contribute to publications and patent filings.
• Participate in collaborations with external partners and internal stakeholders to support the advancement of discovery programs.
  
  

Who You Are

• Ph.D. in Bioorganic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in peptide chemistry, mRNA display, and molecular biology.
• 3–5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in peptide drug discovery or related field, ideally within a biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment.
• Hands-on experience with mRNA display, peptide library design, and screening technologies.
• Familiarity with structure-activity relationships, and basic knowledge of computational modeling and data interpretation tools.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with a strong ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
  
  

Technical Expertise

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including mRNA or phage display, PCR, in vitro transcription/translation, and selection workflows.
• Experience in macrocyclic peptide library generation, screening, and hit identification.
• Knowledge of peptide synthesis techniques, analytical characterization (e.g., LC-MS), and bioassays.
• Ability to contribute to structure-based optimization of peptides and apply basic computational tools for structure prediction and property assessment.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in functional assay development and mammalian cell-based systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with automation platforms for high-throughput screening is desirable.
• A history of scientific excellence demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, patents, and conference presentations
  
  

Relocation benefits are available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $101,400 - $188,200. 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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

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