Technical Development Principal Scientist - Cell Therapy Process Development

Roche; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech, a member of the Roche group, is seeking a senior scientist to lead cell therapy process development within PTCC, collaborating across internal and external teams.

The role focuses on designing cell culture experiments, advancing platform processes, technology transfer, and driving continuous improvement with scientific rigor, leadership, and strategic thinking. This is a highly collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

Qualifications

• BS, MS or PhD in biological sciences, chemical engineering, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant work experience in process development and cell culture techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and drive technical projects to completion through scientific rigor and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership and collaboration with an inclusive mindset to foster teamwork.
• Excellent verbal and written communication across stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing cell culture experiments to support understanding of biology, process consistency, and raw materials impact.
• Innovating and applying advanced technologies to improve culture performance and platform processes.
• Leading technology transfer initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop robust therapies.
• Providing technical leadership and strategic guidance to teams, media prep, material assessments, and supply chain partners.
• Cultivating a lean mindset, simplifying processes, and driving continuous improvement while solving complex issues.
• Interfacing across departments and external collaborators to drive impactful outcomes and thought leadership.

Skills

Cell culture

Process development

Technical leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Biological sciences degree

Job description

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, a member of the Roche group!

This role is a vital part of our Cell Therapy Process Development team within Genentech’s Pharma Technical Cell and Gene Therapy Development (PTCC) organization, which is committed to advancing next-generation cell therapies through innovative process development and cell culture research.

As a member of this team, you will lead cutting-edge efforts to understand cell biology, ensure process consistency, and assess raw material impacts for a diverse range of cell therapy products. You will collaborate closely with multiple stakeholders within and outside PTCC/PTC, bringing your expertise in cell culture techniques and aseptic operations. This position offers the opportunity to establish highly productive, next-generation processes while fostering a collaborative, inclusive team culture focused on scientific rigor, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will drive cell culture experiments and process development initiatives tailored to a diverse portfolio of cell therapy products. You will provide scientific guidance to establish highly productive platform processes while serving as a key technical expert in cell therapy process development. Additional responsibilities include:

• Designing and executing cell culture experiments to support further understanding of cell biology, process consistency, and the impacts of raw materials
• Innovating and applying advanced technologies to improve cell culture performance and establish next-generation platform processes
• Leading technology transfer initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop robust cell-based therapies
• Providing technical leadership and strategic guidance to technical/product teams, media preparation operations, raw material assessments, and supply chain partners
• Cultivating a lean mindset focused on simplification and continuous improvement, while anticipating, identifying, and resolving complex issues
• Interfacing effectively across the Cell Therapy Process Development department, PTC, other internal Genentech/Roche organizations, and external collaborators to drive impactful outcomes
• Establishing thought leadership inside and outside the company through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and active participation in scientific meetings

Who You Are

The successful candidate will have an established track record of strong technical expertise in cell culture techniques and process development.

• Advanced degree and experience: BS, MS or PhD in biological sciences, chemical engineering, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant work experience in process development and cell culture techniques
• Strategic technical leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and drive technical projects to completion through scientific rigor, strong organizational skills, and strategic problem-solving
• Team development and inclusive leadership: Demonstrated strengths in fostering teamwork and collaboration with an inclusive mindset, embracing different perspectives and expertise to create a highly productive environment
• Matrixed stakeholder management: Proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with partners, customers, and collaborators; excellent skills in influencing and communicating effectively across organizational boundaries
• Thought leadership and communication: Proven track record of excellent verbal and written communication demonstrated through conference presentations, publications, and the ability to articulate scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders

Strongly preferred:

• Expertise in culture, expansion, and functional assessment of hESCs, iPSCs or MSCs and RPEs.
• Expertise in bioreactor process development, including defining process control strategies, P&ID requirements, and operational set-points for stirred-tank bioreactors
• Experience with scaling up adherent cell lines in suspension

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $120,800 - $224,300. 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 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.