Scientist 3 - Translational Medicine (Ophthalmology)

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

Job summary

Genentech's Translational Medicine OMNI (TM OMNI) team seeks a Scientist 3 to push translational research for glaucoma neuroprotection programs. The role blends data science with wet-lab work to identify targets, validate mechanisms, and build bespoke biomarker assays.

You will partner with cross-functional teams and lead studies across the drug development lifecycle, contributing to end-to-end translational research from discovery to data interpretation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biological Sciences or equivalent proven scientific track record.
• Wet-lab and bioinformatics experience to answer complex biological questions.
• Experience with disease-relevant translational research is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze high-dimensional datasets (proteomics, transcriptomics) from clinical/preclinical samples to identify targets and biomarkers.
• Design and execute disease-relevant in vitro experiments to translate data into biology.
• Lead exploratory clinical studies with internal/external collaborators to advance translational research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional R&D teams including Biology, Computational Sciences, Biostatistics and Clinical Pharmacology.
• Develop and qualify biomarker assays (e.g., Simoa, NULISA) for pipeline programs.
• Communicate insights through reports, presentations, and publications.

Skills

Bioinformatics analyses

R or Python

Wet-lab techniques

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in Biological Sciences

Equivalent scientific track record

Tools

Simoa

NULISA

qPCR

NGS

Job description

The Position

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

Genentech's Translational Medicine OMNI (TM OMNI) team supports the entire R&D portfolio of novel therapies across Ophthalmology, Metabolism, Neuroscience, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases. We develop and implement cutting-edge translational research and biomarker strategies to identify complex disease pathways, validate mechanisms of action, and accelerate clinical trial success. Scientists within our department leverage deep clinical insights to drive next-generation target identification and champion end-to-end biomarker execution, from initial discovery to final data interpretation.

Opportunity:

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Scientist 3 to join Genentech’s Translational Medicine (TM) team on-site at our South San Francisco campus. In this role, you will partner with cross-functional R&D teams to drive translational research for next-generation therapeutic targets and provide critical biomarker support for glaucoma neuroprotection programs throughout the drug development lifecycle.

This position uniquely bridges data science and the wet lab, requiring a blend of computational skills to interpret high-dimensional datasets and bench-level expertise to design and execute validation experiments. This is a hands-on, high-impact opportunity for a scientist eager to apply their training to drive foundational science and establish a new disease area at Genentech, navigating the complexities of ophthalmic drug development within a deeply collaborative environment.

As an integral member of our dynamic team, you will:

• Analyze high-dimensional datasets (e.g., proteomics, transcriptomics) generated from clinical and preclinical samples to discover novel therapeutic targets and candidate biomarkers.
• Design and execute experiments using disease-relevant in vitro human cell models to translate data-driven insights into functional biology.
• Lead and coordinate exploratory clinical studies in partnership with internal and external collaborators to advance translational research and discover clinical biomarkers.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional R&D partners, including Research Biology, Computational Sciences, Tissue Genomics & Proteomics, Biostatistics, Clinical Pharmacology, and Bioanalytical Sciences.
• Develop and qualify custom assays (e.g., Simoa, NULISA) for biomarkers of interest, moving beyond standard commercial kits to build bespoke solutions for pipeline programs.
• Communicate insights effectively across the organization and the broader scientific community through high-quality reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

Who You Are:

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A PhD in Biological Sciences (including neuroscience, immunology, cell biology, or a related field) with 0–4 years of relevant post-graduate experience. Exceptional candidates without a PhD but with an equivalent track record of rigorous scientific experience are also encouraged to apply. While clinical or translational experience in retinal biology is preferred, it is not required. We welcome applicants with broad biological expertise who are eager to apply their skills to a new disease area.
• A proven track record of executing both wet-lab experiments and bioinformatic analyses to answer complex biological questions, as demonstrated through a strong peer-reviewed publication record.
• Deep technical wet-lab expertise in preclinical/clinical sample analysis and molecular biology techniques (including cell culture, ELISA, qPCR, and NGS/transcriptomics).
• Computational proficiency with hands-on experience programming in R or Python to apply biostatistical and bioinformatics methods to high-dimensional datasets.
• Demonstrated scientific independence, outstanding organizational and teamwork skills, scientific curiosity, and exceptional communication abilities with a clear passion for translating science into life-changing therapies.

Relocation benefits are not available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $100,400 -186,400. 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.