Senior Principal Machine Learning Scientist, AI Biology & Translation (AIBT)

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 202,800 - 376,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Job summary

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG is seeking a scientific leader in AI Biology to define the roadmap for genomics foundation models. In this role, you will develop advanced AI methodologies and lead a team towards innovative biological discoveries.

The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field and have a minimum of 7 years of research experience in AI/ML. This position is based in South San Francisco, CA, offering a competitive salary range of $202,800 - $376,600 based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of post-PhD research experience developing innovative AI/ML methods.
• Strong publication record in leading AI, machine learning, or genomics venues.
• Proven leadership ability to influence across multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Define scientific roadmap for genomics foundation models.
• Develop state-of-the-art sequence modeling and machine learning methodologies.
• Lead a team of scientists ensuring collaboration and innovation.

Skills

AI/ML methods

Genomics

Deep learning

Multimodal ML

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Biology, Physics, or related field

Job description

Overview

The AI Biology & Translation (AIBT) department within Genentech's Computational Sciences Center of Excellence (CS-CoE) is building the next generation of AI systems for biology. Our mission is to develop AI models that learn from biological data at unprecedented scale, generating new insights into disease mechanisms, therapeutic opportunities, and human biology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Genomics AI Strategy: Define the scientific roadmap and strategy for genomics foundation models to accelerate therapeutic innovation across Genentech’s portfolio.
• Advance AI Methodology: Develop state‑of‑the‑art sequence modeling, self‑supervised learning, and generative models using multimodal biological data (genomics, chromatin state, cellular context).
• Drive Biological Discovery: Partner with experimental groups to translate machine‑learning innovation into insights for target discovery and disease understanding.
• Influence Organizational Direction: Serve as a scientific leader within AIBT to shape Genentech's long‑term AI‑for‑biology strategy.
• Publish & Present: Maintain scientific excellence by publishing in top‑tier ML/genomics venues and representing Genentech at global conferences.
• Evaluate Emerging Tech: Assess cutting‑edge advancements in machine learning to identify new opportunities for transformative scientific impact.
• Mentor Teams: Lead and mentor a team of scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Biology, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of post‑PhD research experience developing innovative AI/ML methods to advance biological discovery.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of foundation models, sequence modeling, self‑supervised learning, generative AI, or multimodal ML; expertise in gene regulation, epigenomics, functional genomics, regulatory biology, or cellular systems biology.
• Publication Track Record: Strong history of publishing novel computational methods in leading AI, machine learning, or genomics venues.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead complex scientific initiatives and influence across multiple disciplines.
• Field Impact: Recognition via influential publications, open‑source software, invited presentations, or patents that have shaped the field.

Compensation

Salary range for this position (South San Francisco, CA) is $202,800 - $376,600. Actual pay will be determined by experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors.

Benefits

This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below. Relocation benefits are available for this posting.

Equal Opportunity

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 the Accommodations for Applicants form.