Senior Scientist, Analytical Development - Stem Cell & Metabolomics

Genentech; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 104,700 - 194,400; Full time

Job summary

Genentech’s Analytical Development & Quality Control (ADQC) team is expanding with a Senior Scientist role that integrates stem cell biology and cellular metabolism. You will lead bench experiments to investigate metabolic rewiring, mitochondrial dynamics, and energy homeostasis in pluripotent cells and derived models.

The position emphasizes hands-on work at the bench (75%+), with opportunities to develop assays within a GMP/CMC framework and contribute to cross-functional programs in cell

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with relevant experience in cell biology and metabolism.
• Strong bench-science experience and ability to lead experiments.
• Deep knowledge of stem cell biology and metabolic assays.
• Experience with regulatory and quality considerations in assay development (CMC) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead metabolic profiling initiatives to study stem cell pluripotency and differentiation.
• Design and execute real-time assays to measure OCR and ECAR.
• Characterize mitochondrial dynamics and function in stem cell-derived models.
• Collaborate with LC-MS and other teams to map nutrient utilization during fate transitions.
• Document SOPs and present data to cross-functional teams.

Skills

Stem cell biology

Cell metabolism

Mitochondrial function

Metabolic flux assays

Seahorse

Education

PhD in Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Bioengineering

MS with 3+ years experience

Tools

Flow cytometry

qPCR/ddPCR

ELISA

Metabolic flux analyzers

Job description

The Position

Genentech’s Analytical Development & Quality Control (ADQC) team is expanding. As a core division within Genentech’s Pharma Technical Cell & Gene Therapy organization, we ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of cell therapies. ADQC develops, validates and executes advanced physiochemical, immunochemical and biological testing methods for clinical and commercial release.

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Scientist to join our team. This unique role bridges the fields of metabolomics and stem cell biology. You will lead initiatives aimed at understanding the metabolic rewiring, mitochondrial dynamics, and energy homeostasis that govern stem cell pluripotency, differentiation, and disease modeling. The ideal candidate possesses deep hands‑on expertise in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) culture alongside advanced physiological assays to measure mitochondrial respiration and metabolic flux.

The Opportunity

• Stem Cell Biology: Experience with cell culture including differentiation of human iPSCs/ESCs into specific lineages to study metabolic shifts in hPSC derived cell therapy product manufacturing
• Cell Bioenergetic Profiling: Design and execute real‑time functional metabolic assays to measure oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR)
• Mitochondrial Characterization: Evaluate mitochondrial function, membrane potential, dynamics (fission/fusion), biogenesis, and ROS production in stem‑cell‑derived models
• Metabolic Flux Analysis: Perform and analyze tracer‑based experiments to map functional nutrient utilization (glucose, fatty acids, amino acids) during cell fate transitions in partnership with LC‑MS specialists
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), and present functional metabolic data to cross‑functional teams

This role is based onsite in South San Francisco, CA.

Relocation benefits are not being offered for this role.

Who You Are (Required)

• You have a PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field; or a Master’s in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant academic/industry experience.
• You have demonstrated experience working at the bench. This is a bench scientist position, with the majority of the time (75%+) active at the bench, executing experiments daily.
• You have a demonstrated level of biological domain expertise in the metabolism space. You have a deep understanding of cellular energetics, mitochondrial function, or metabolic flux assays.
• You have a demonstrated level of expertise in stem cell biology. You have the ability to culture, differentiate and characterize iPSCs, MSCs, or primary cells.

Preferred

• You have a PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
• You have CMC Experience - a proven track record of developing assays within a CMC/regulatory framework (understanding phase‑appropriate validation, ICH guidelines, etc.).
• You have a high level of familiarity with flow cytometry, qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, and metabolic flux analyzers (e.g., Seahorse).
• You have demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate technical knowledge in a clear and understandable manner, especially to non‑experts; you excel at problem‑solving skills and the ability to work under ambiguous situations.
• You have excellent organizational skills, including the ability to efficiently evaluate, prioritize and handle multiple changing projects and priorities; you complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $104,700 - 194,400. 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.