Scientist 3 - Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

Job summary

Genentech's Genetic Medicine Technology department in San Diego is seeking a Scientist 3 to advance our non-viral gene delivery platform. You will lead efforts in DNA delivery, nuclear shuttling, and immunogenicity mitigation, employing high-throughput screening in mammalian systems and collaborating across cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes creative problem-solving, independence, and strong communication to translate research into clinical and drug-discovery progress, with relocation

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Innate Immunology, or a related field with 3 years of relevant academic and/or biopharma industry experience; OR a Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with high-throughput library screening in mammalian cell systems.
• Expertise in advanced nucleic acid manipulation and molecular cloning methods, such as IVT, mammalian expression vector design, library design & cloning, Golden Gate cloning, SDM, and Gibson assembly.
• Hands‑on experience with functional molecular assays (Western blot, reporter assays, ddPCR, qRT‑PCR) to evaluate transgene delivery.
• Innovation mindset, self‑starter, strong collaboration and communication across multidisciplinary teams.
• Preferred: Ph.D. preferred; familiarity with NGS; experience with primary cells and hepatocytes/T cells/monocytes; relocation benefits available.

Responsibilities

• Innovation and Scientific Creativity: advance non-viral gene delivery platform through hands‑on lab work, conceptualize and validate novel strategies for nuclear shuttling of DNA.
• Driving Translational Results: perform rigorous exploratory research using hypothesis testing and screening, moving initiatives toward feasibility milestones for in vivo portfolios.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership: collaborate with internal specialists to translate research‑derived data into clinical and drug discovery frameworks.

Skills

High-throughput screening

Molecular biology

DNA delivery

Nucleic acid biology

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology/Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Immunology or related field

MS in Molecular Biology/Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Immunology or related field

Tools

IVT

Mammalian expression vector design

Golden Gate cloning

Gibson Assembly

ddPCR

qRT-PCR

Job description

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!

The Opportunity

Genentech's Genetic Medicine Technology department in San Diego is looking for a talented and driven Scientist 3 to become part of our Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering group. In this role, you will lead efforts to further develop our non-viral gene delivery platform. We are looking for an outstanding molecular biologist who possesses significant experience in gene engineering and nucleic acid biology, specifically focused on enhancing DNA delivery and nuclear shuttling and mitigation of DNA-mediated immunogenicity. Prior experience with high-throughput library screening approaches in mammalian cell systems is essential for this role. The core focus of this role will be the discovery and development of novel modalities through molecular and genetic engineering to improve nuclear delivery of donor DNA cargo for our proprietary Super PiggyBac transposase-based gene insertion system. Experience with unbiased, high-throughput library screening approaches is a must. The ideal candidate will be highly creative, self-driven, and thrive within a collaborative, cross-functional organization. You will collaborate extensively with the Non-viral Nanotechnology and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology teams to generate and evaluate novel hypotheses, helping to advance our non-viral gene delivery platform.

Key responsibilities

• Innovation and Scientific Creativity: You will advance our non-viral gene delivery platform through hands‑on laboratory work, spearheading the conceptualization and evaluation of novel strategies for nuclear shuttling of DNA. We seek a visionary scientist with a proven history of quickly developing and validating inventive concepts.
• Driving Translational Results: Perform rigorous, exploratory research utilizing both hypothesis testing and screening methodologies. Your objective will be to move these initiatives toward critical feasibility and proof-of-concept milestones, facilitating their incorporation into our in vivo cell and gene therapy portfolios aimed at treating cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare hematological disorders.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership: Engage in deep collaboration with various internal specialists and teams. In this interdisciplinary role, you will ensure that research‑derived data is successfully converted into practical clinical and drug discovery frameworks.

Who you are

Academic Qualifications:You have a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Innate Immunology, or a related field with 3 years of relevant academic and/or biopharma industry experience; OR a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Innate Immunology, or a related field with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.

Research & Screening Expertise: A requirement for this role is demonstrated proficiency with high-throughput library screening in mammalian cell systems.

Core Technical Skills: Candidates must possess expertise in advanced nucleic acid manipulation and molecular cloning methods, such as IVT, mammalian expression vector design, library design & cloning, Golden Gate cloning, SDM, and Gibson assembly.

Laboratory Experience: Hands‑on skills with functional molecular assays, including Western blot, reporter assays, ddPCR, or qRT-PCR, to evaluate transgene delivery is required.

Innovation & Teamwork: Essential traits include a self‑starting mindset, a passion for solving scientific problems, and a highly collaborative approach. Successful applicants will demonstrate exceptional creative drive and the ability to communicate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred: Ph.D preferred Familiarity with Next‑Generation Sequencing (NGS) is highly advantageous. Experience working with primary cells and cell lines (specifically hepatocytes, T cells and monocytes/macrophages). Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of San Diego, CA is $89,900 - $166,900. 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

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.

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.

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.