Technical Development Principal Scientist - Cell Therapy Process Development

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech is seeking a highly experienced cell therapy process development scientist to drive cell culture experiments and establish robust platform processes. You will act as a technical expert, guiding cross-functional teams and coordinating technology transfer across the portfolio of cell therapy products.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, collaboration, and scientific communication to advance next-generation cell therapies within a cutting-edge research environment.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will have established technical expertise in cell culture techniques and process development.
• Strategic leadership demonstrated by driving technical projects to completion with rigor and planning.
• Inclusive leadership and collaboration across matrixed partners and teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive cell culture experiments and process development initiatives for diverse cell therapy products.
• Provide scientific guidance to establish productive platform processes and act as a technical expert.
• Lead technology transfer initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Provide technical leadership to product teams, media preparation, raw materials assessments, and supply chain partners.
• Cultivate continuous improvement and solve complex issues across the organization.

Skills

Cell culture techniques

Process development

Strategic technical leadership

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Scientific communication

Education

BS/MS/PhD in biological sciences or chemical engineering

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

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

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.

Salary and Benefits

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.

Who We Are

Genentech, a member of the Roche group and founder of the biotechnology industry, is dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. To solve the world's most complex health challenges, we ask bigger questions that challenge our industry and the boundaries of science to transform society. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The next step is yours.