Principal Research Scientist II, Sequencing Applications

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Research and Early Development Principal Scientist, 

Sequencing Workflows and Applications Team

Who We Are:

At Roche, we are passionate about transforming patients' lives and are bold in both decision and action. We believe that good business means a better world. This is why we come to work each day, committed to scientific rigor, unassailable ethics, and ensuring access to medical innovations for all. We do this today to build a better tomorrow.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to join our Sequencing Workflows and Applications Team—a research and early development group committed to making a tangible impact on the future of healthcare. Your mission will be to build the application ecosystem for our revolutionary Axelios Sequencing platform, translating the immense potential of our Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology into real-world tools. This is a hands-on, lab-based role where scientific excellence and a proactive, results-oriented mindset are paramount. You will spearhead innovative projects and key collaborations, driving the science from the initial idea to a fully realized solution. This is an opportunity for a visionary scientist to not only pioneer new workflows but to help shape the next generation of medical innovation.

 Your Role and Responsibilities: 

• You will join a tight-nit local team of dedicated and curious scientists where you will role-model leadership qualities, mentor junior scientists, and champion a culture of scientific rigor and innovation. 

• You will work closely with commercial partners, external researchers, and internal bioinformatics colleagues to implement and analyze novel workflows. You'll translate complex data into meaningful interpretations for internal and external stakeholders.

• You will invent, prototype, and characterize different sequencing workflows by designing and executing rigorous experiments; You will proactively troubleshoot assays, resolve technical issues and challenges, and perform data interpretation by applying broad knowledge of molecular biology techniques

• You will support the adoption of novel Axelios applications by creating technical content, including application notes and publications, and presenting data at scientific conferences.

• You will identify and champion new technological opportunities, contributing to the  strategic direction of the R&D organization. 

• This position is based on-site in Pleasanton, CA

Who You Are:

(Required)

You're a self-motivated scientist who thrives in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift. You excel at managing multiple projects and collaborations simultaneously without losing sight of the details. You approach complex problems with a sense of urgency, optimism, and deep scientific curiosity.

• Required Qualifications

  • A degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field with the following experience:

    • PhD with 3+ years of relevant industry experience, OR

    • Master’s with 6+ years of relevant industry experience, OR

    • Bachelor’s with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.

• You have a deep understanding of the molecular biology of sample preparation for NGS, and have demonstrated experience designing and optimizing multiple distinct NGS workflows.

• You have experience beyond standard library preparation from DNA or RNA, such as single-cell sequencing, protein detection by sequencing, or spatial sequencing.

• You have demonstrated proficiency in interpreting standard bioinformatics pipeline outputs and sequencing metrics for genomic analysis.

• You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively within and across teams.

• 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 

Who You Are:

(Preferred)

• You have experience working with a range of NGS instruments (e.g. Illumina, Pacbio, Oxford)

• You have experience with automating sequencing workflow on systems like the Hamilton or Tecan

• You have a strong record of innovation, demonstrated by publications and patents. 

• You have experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process control (SPC)

• You are proficient in technical writing

Relocation benefits are not available for this posting

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $108,400 - $201,200.00. 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

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche 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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