Systems Specialist II

Genentech; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Job summary

Genentech’s Department of Structural Biology in South San Francisco seeks a cryoEM/cryoET expert to join as System Specialist II. The role focuses on delivering high-resolution cryoEM maps, supporting drug discovery and basic research, and training users across the workflow from sample prep to data processing.

responsibilities include operating Titan Krios/Glacios with SelectrisX detectors, collaborating across Roche/Genentech teams, and advancing protocols with state-of-the-art HPC and data

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years, Master’s with 3+ years, or PhD with 0–2 years in biochemistry/biophysics/structural biology.
• Hands-on cryoET workflows including on-grid cell culture, FIB milling, tilt series data collection.
• Proven ability to obtain high-resolution 3D maps and tomograms from cryoEM data.
• Willing to grow across grid prep, automated data collection, and facility operations.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Drive structure-based drug discovery by processing data to deliver high-resolution cryoEM maps for collaborative research teams.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary project teams to solve complex protein target structures and annotate/analyze in situ tomograms.
• Empower and train facility users across workflow stages from sample prep to data processing.
• Operate and maintain cutting-edge instrumentation, including Titan Krios and Glacios microscopes with detectors.
• Pioneer continuous improvement by testing and adopting emerging cryoEM/cryoET protocols and tools.
• Thrive in a state-of-the-art environment with HPC, cell culture spaces, and robust data storage.

Skills

CryoET Capable

CryoEM Image processing

Adaptable and growth-minded

Collaborative and organized

Impact-focused

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

Titan Krios

Glacios

SelectrisX detectors

Falcon4i detectors

FIB milling

Job description

The Opportunity

The Position

The Opportunity

The Department of Structural Biology at Genentech is seeking a cryoEM/cryoET expert to join its cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) team as a System Specialist II and support its mission to enable drug discovery and fundamental research. Our department offers a highly interdisciplinary environment for drug discovery and biomedical research, with state-of-the-art resources and unparalleled opportunities for scientific collaboration. We integrate macromolecular crystallography, cryoEM, cryoET, and NMR spectroscopy to drive drug discovery and uncover fundamental biology. We explore the structural and functional properties of therapeutic targets and their interactions with diverse ligands both in vitro and in situ to discover and explain biological phenomena relevant to our drug discovery efforts. Our group supports structure-based drug discovery and design pipelines from construct design to structure analysis. We collaborate with scientists throughout the company to advance both traditional small molecule and protein-based drug discovery, as well as to pursue basic research questions regarding protein structure and function.

• Drive structure-based drug discovery by processing data to deliver high-resolution cryoEM maps for collaborative research teams.


• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary project teams across Roche and Genentech to solve complex protein target structures and annotate/analyze in situ tomograms.


• Empower and train facility users across all workflow stages—from initial sample preparation to advanced data processing.


• Operate and maintain cutting-edge instrumentation, including Titan Krios and Glacios microscopes equipped with SelectrisX Falcon4i detectors.


• Pioneer continuous improvement by testing, adapting, and adopting emerging protocols, software tools, and technologies for cryoEM/cryoET.


• Thrive in a supportive, state-of-the-art research environment with centralized high-performance computing, dedicated cell culture spaces, and robust data storage.

Who You Are

• Qualified by education: You hold a Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years, a Master’s degree with 3+ years, or a PhD with 0–2 years of relevant experience in biochemistry, biophysics, or structural biology.


• CryoET Capable: Hands-on experience with on-grid cell culture, FIB milling, tilt series data collection and related workflows for cryoET


• Proficient in cryoEM image processing: You bring a track record of obtaining high-resolution 3D maps and/or tomograms from cryoEM single-particle and/or tilt series data.


• Adaptable and eager to grow: You are enthusiastic about expanding your skill set across grid preparation, automated data collection, and facility operations.


• Collaborative and organized: You thrive in team environments, bring strong communication skills, and maintain exceptional attention to detail.


• Passionate about impact: You are excited to apply structural biology techniques to enable groundbreaking drug discovery and improve patient lives.

Together, we’ll advance along the whole patient journey with the aspiration to prevent, stop and cure diseases.

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $91,900 - $170,700. 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.

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.