Senior Scientist

Biopharma Careers; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Roche in Pleasanton, CA, seeks an experienced IHC senior scientist to lead antibody discovery and development.

You will apply biomarker biology, histology, and pathology expertise to develop high-quality rabbit monoclonal antibodies, validate FFPE assays, optimize performance, mentor junior staff, and collaborate across R&D, pathology, operations and regulatory teams.

This onsite role offers the opportunity to contribute to translational diagnostics and impact patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Biology or related field with extensive lab experience.
• 3+ years in immunohistochemistry (IHC) based methods.
• Strong background in Pathology, Histology or Oncology.
• Ability to translate biology insights into assay development strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead IHC functional screening for rabbit monoclonal antibodies.
• Guide antibody selections using biomarker biology and histology.
• Develop and optimize IHC assays on FFPE samples.
• Validate analytical performance with orthogonal methods.
• Provide scientific leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Immunohistochemistry

Biology

Pathology

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Biology

Master’s degree in Biology

PhD in Biology

Tools

Digital pathology tools

Image analysis software

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

For nearly 25 years, Roche has been at the forefront of innovating companion diagnostics (CDx) that hold the power to transform patients’ lives by providing essential information that informs clinical decision-making and guides personalized treatment strategies.

With a steady pipeline of high medical value predictive tests fueled by collaborations with over 85 pharmaceutical partners, we deliver diagnostic certainty through the broadest menu of immunohistochemistry/in situ hybridization (IHC/ISH) companion diagnostics available today.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced IHC senior scientist with a strong histology/pathology background to join our innovative research and development team. This is a technical position within our antibody development group, focused on developing high quality rabbit monoclonal antibodies against novel biomarkers for tissue applications.

The Opportunity

Antibody Discovery & Development

• Lead the IHC functional screening for novel rabbit monoclonal antibodies against emerging and clinically relevant biomarkers.
• Apply deep knowledge of biomarker biology and histology/pathology to guide antibody selections.
• Analyze biomarker expression patterns across tissues, cell types, and tumor models to ensure appropriate targeting and clinical relevance.
• Interpret complex staining patterns and correlate with biological and pathological context.

IHC Assay Development & Optimization

• Develop, optimize, and standardize IHC assays using FFPE samples.
• Evaluate antibody performance across normal and diseased tissues, including diverse tumor types and cell lines.
• Improve assay sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility for diagnostic applications.

Research Sample Testing & Performance Improvement

• Conduct IHC testing on research and preclinical samples to assess antibody performance.
• Identify opportunities to enhance antibody productivity, stability, and sensitivity through iterative testing and optimization.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and implement solutions to improve assay robustness.

Validation & Documentation

• Perform analytical validation including specificity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and robustness studies.
• Utilize orthogonal methods (e.g., Western blot, ELISA, RNA ISH, IF) to confirm antibody performance.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and research staff.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, pathology, operation, and regulatory teams.
• Contribute to scientific strategy, publications, patents, and external collaborations.

This is an onsite position based in Pleasanton, CA.

Relocation benefits are not being offered.

Who You Are

• You have a Bachelor of Science in Biology (or related field) plus 10 years relevant experience; or a master’s degree in Biology (or related field) plus 6 years; or a PhD in Biology (or related field) and 4 years relevant experience.
• You have 3+ years of experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) based methods.
• You have 3+ years of experience in a solid background in Pathology, Histology or Oncology.
• You have the ability to translate biological insights into practical assay development strategies.
• You have strong analytical and critical thinking skills with attention to detail; you have the ability to manage multiple projects and drive results in a fast-paced environment; you have a collaborative mindset with demonstrated leadership capabilities.

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of histology, capable of recognizing different tissues and cell types on FFPE samples.
• Understanding of biomarker expressions across tissues, cell types, and tumor cell lines.
• Proven experience working with novel or poorly characterized biomarkers.
• Strong background in antibody screening and optimization.
• Expertise in IHC assay development, troubleshooting, and interpretation of complex staining patterns.
• Experience improving antibody productivity, stability, and sensitivity.

Preferred

• You have an advanced degree in Biology (or related field).
• You have de novo antibody development experience.
• Familiarity with digital pathology and image analysis tools.
• Prior experience with RNA ISH or immunofluorescence.
• Prior experience in a regulated IVD or diagnostic development environment.
• You have demonstrated Interpersonal skills: Strong verbal communication and influencing skills; can influence without authority and has proven experience building and cultivating relationships with key partners and stakeholders, both internally and externally.

The expected salary range for this position is based on the primary location of Pleasanton, CAis $111,000 - $206,500. 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.

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Equal Opportunity

Roche 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.