Scientist I/II, Investigative Toxicology

Tailored Management; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Genentech in South San Francisco is seeking a Scientist I/II to support the Investigative Toxicology Group within Translational Safety. The role focuses on in vitro and ex vivo work, developing biological assays, and contributing to safety assessments of drug candidates across discovery through development.

The ideal candidate has a BS/BA in a life science, 1–3 years of lab experience, and strong data analysis and documentation skills.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology or related field.
• MS preferred but not required.
• 1–3+ years of lab experience with hypothesis-driven research.
• Experience in cell culture using primary cells or immortalized cell lines.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Effective documentation and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Culture and maintain primary cells and immortalized lines.
• Perform assays for viability, cytotoxicity, and metabolism.
• Use Luminex, ELISA, qPCR or related methods.
• Capture cell images with high-content imaging and confocal microscopy.
• Assess tissues including immune, liver, vascular, ocular tissues.
• Record protocols and experimental results accurately.
• Analyze and present data and results.
• Develop and document lab SOPs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on toxicology studies.
• Contribute insights for publications.

Skills

Cell culture

Data analysis

Documentation

Collaboration

Independent work

Experimental design

Education

BS/BA in Pharmacology/related field

MS preferred

Tools

Luminex

ELISA

Flow cytometry

Confocal microscopy

High-content screening

Gene expression analysis

Job description

Job Title: Scientist I/II – Investigative Toxicology Location: 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 Pay Rate: $32.58 – $46.79/hour + Benefits Benefits: Weekly Pay, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Scientist I/II to join the Investigative Toxicology Group within the Translational Safety Department at Genentech's Research and Early Development organization in South San Francisco. The Investigative Toxicology team focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of toxicities observed during nonclinical studies and clinical trials. Through hypothesis-driven research, the group supports the safety assessment of novel therapeutics from early-stage drug discovery through clinical development and commercialization. This laboratory-based position involves conducting in vitro and ex vivo experiments, developing and implementing biological assays, and supporting research initiatives using advanced laboratory technologies. The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists across multiple teams to investigate potential safety concerns, optimize drug candidates, and support ongoing research projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Culture, maintain, and expand primary cells and immortalized cell lines for in vitro screening and research studies.
• Perform laboratory assays to evaluate cell viability, cytotoxicity, and cellular metabolic changes.
• Conduct experiments using techniques such as Luminex, ELISA, gene expression analysis, high-content screening, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry.
• Capture and analyze cell culture images using high-content imaging technologies.
• Work with cells from various tissue types, including immune cells, blood, liver, vascular, ocular tissues, and immortalized cell lines.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, document protocols, and record research findings.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data and scientific results.
• Develop and document laboratory protocols and contribute to final research reports.
• Follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain study integrity and data quality.
• Conduct experiments independently, demonstrating strong initiative and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional stakeholders to support ongoing toxicology investigations.
• Contribute scientific insights to research projects and studies intended for peer-reviewed publications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Physiology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Master's degree (MS) is preferred but not required.
• 1–3+ years of laboratory experience involving hypothesis-driven research.
• Hands-on experience in cell culture, including primary cells and/or immortalized cell lines.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, integrate, and present scientific data.
• Strong documentation, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while following established laboratory procedures.

Preferred Technical Skills

Experience with the following laboratory techniques and technologies is highly desirable:

• Primary and immortalized cell culture.
• Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays.
• Luminex and ELISA.
• Gene expression analysis.
• High-content screening and imaging.
• Confocal microscopy.
• Flow cytometry.
• Complex in vitro model systems.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive laboratory activities, including cell culture, pipetting, and tube labeling.
• Collaborate with members of the Investigative Toxicology team and other key stakeholders.
• Work with potentially hazardous materials, including chemotherapeutic compounds, biological hazards, and human primary cells, while following established laboratory safety procedures.