Senior Scientist - Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering

Genentech; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 108,100 - 200,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual bonus

Job summary

Genentech seeks a Senior Scientist in San Diego to lead efforts in developing our non‑viral gene delivery platform. You will drive molecular engineering to enhance DNA delivery and nuclear shuttling, with a focus on reducing DNA immunogenicity and enabling high‑throughput screening in mammalian cells.

The role requires a PhD in a related field with post‑doc/industry experience, expertise in nucleic acid manipulation and cloning, and strong collaboration across teams to advance in vivo cell and

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field and post‑doc or industry experience
• Experience with high‑throughput library screening in mammalian systems
• Advanced nucleic acid manipulation and cloning methods as listed in the job description

Responsibilities

• Advance non‑viral gene delivery platform through hands‑on lab work and concept validation
• Direct and perform rigorous hypothesis‑driven projects and screening to achieve feasibility milestones for in‑vivo portfolios
• Collaborate across cross‑functional teams to translate research into clinical and drug discovery frameworks

Skills

High-throughput screening

Molecular biology

Nucleic acid manipulation

Molecular cloning

qPCR

Western blot

Mammalian cell biology

ddPCR

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

Tools

IVT

Golden Gate cloning

Gibson assembly

SDM

Job description

The Position

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love.

That’s what makes us Genentech!

The Opportunity

Genentech's Genetic Medicine Technology department in San Diego is looking for a talented and driven Senior Scientist to become part of our Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering group. In this role, you will lead efforts to further develop our non-viral gene delivery platform. We are looking for an outstanding molecular biologist who possesses significant experience in gene engineering and nucleic acid biology, specifically focused on enhancing DNA delivery and nuclear shuttling and mitigation of DNA-mediated immunogenicity. Prior experience with high-throughput library screening approaches in mammalian cell systems is essential for this role.

The core focus of this role will be the discovery and development of novel modalities through molecular and genetic engineering to improve nuclear delivery of donor DNA cargo for our proprietary Super PiggyBac transposase-based gene insertion system. Experience with unbiased, high-throughput library screening approaches is a must.

The ideal candidate will be highly creative, self-driven, and thrive within a collaborative, cross‑functional organization. You will collaborate extensively with the Non‑viral Nanotechnology and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology teams to generate and evaluate novel hypotheses, helping to advance our non‑viral gene delivery platform.

Key responsibilities include:

• Innovation and Scientific Creativity: You will advance our non‑viral gene delivery platform through hands‑on laboratory work, spearheading the conceptualization and evaluation of novel strategies for nuclear shuttling of DNA. We seek a visionary scientist with a proven history of quickly developing and validating inventive concepts.
• Driving Translational Results: Direct and perform rigorous, research‑focused projects utilizing both hypothesis testing and screening methodologies. Your objective will be to move these initiatives toward critical feasibility and proof‑of‑concept milestones, facilitating their incorporation into our in‑vivo cell and gene therapy portfolios aimed at treating cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare hematological disorders.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership: Engage in deep collaboration with various internal specialists and teams. In this interdisciplinary role, you will ensure that research‑derived data is successfully converted into practical clinical and drug discovery frameworks.

Who You Are

• Academic Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Innate Immunology, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of 2 years of experience as a post‑doc in an academic setting or post Ph.D. in the bio‑pharma industry.
• Research & Screening Expertise: A requirement for this role is demonstrated proficiency with high‑throughput library screening in mammalian cell systems.
• Core Technical Skills: Candidates must possess expertise in advanced nucleic acid manipulation and molecular cloning methods, such as IVT, mammalian expression vector design, library design & cloning, Golden Gate cloning, SDM, and Gibson assembly.
• Laboratory Experience: Hands‑on skills with functional molecular assays, including Western blot, reporter assays, ddPCR, or qRT‑PCR, to evaluate transgene delivery is required.
• Innovation & Teamwork: Essential traits include a self‑starting mindset, a passion for solving scientific problems, and a highly collaborative approach. Successful applicants will demonstrate exceptional creative drive and the ability to communicate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred

• Familiarity with Next‑Generation Sequencing (NGS) is highly advantageous.
• Experience working with primary cells and cell lines (specifically hepatocytes, T cells, and monocytes/macrophages).

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of San Diego, CA is $108,100 - $200,700. 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.

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