Why Genentech
We’re passionate about delivering on Our Promise to improve the lives of patients and create healthier communities for all. We foster a culture of inclusivity, integrity and creativity while boldly pursuing answers to the world’s most complex health challenges and transforming society.
The Opportunity
Genentech’s Department of Antibody Engineering is seeking a visionary Principal Scientist to lead a high-impact laboratory team at the forefront of biotherapeutic innovation. In this role, you will pioneer breakthrough protein technologies that seamlessly bridge molecular developability with optimized biological function to advance our biologics pipeline. Operating in a collaborative and highly interdisciplinary environment, you will develop molecular formats that interrogate complex disease biology, translating exploratory science into transformational medicines for patients.
- Direct and manage a bench-focused laboratory team, fostering technical growth, innovative research, and effective execution.
- Advance internal technological capabilities by developing novel methods and predictive assays to de-risk emerging therapeutic formats.
- Define molecular requirements for therapeutic projects and lead cross-functional teams to identify and advance next-generation clinical candidates.
- Drive platform innovation across emerging biotherapeutic mechanisms, potentially including induced proximity, receptor agonism, targeted therapeutics, or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
- Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing lab culture built on curiosity, scientific rigor, and open communication.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary research partners across Discovery Biology, Structural Biology, Translational Science, and Technical Development to integrate biological activity with clinical manufacturability.
Who You Are
We are seeking candidates with a passion for innovation, creativity, and commitment to translational science and drug development. Prior research experience with antibodies is not essential.
- PhD in biochemistry, chemical biology, structural biology, or a related field. We encourage applications from candidates with extensive prior experience as well as those coming directly from postdoctoral positions.
- Demonstrated expertise in both protein engineering and biology, including a proven track record of applying innovative molecular engineering approaches to resolve complex biological questions or therapeutic challenges.
- Foundational understanding of protein stability and protein-protein interactions along with methods for their characterization.
- Sustained track record of productivity and substantial scientific contributions, evidenced by publications in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, issued patents, and/or notable external scientific presentations.
- Strong collaborative mindset with exceptional written and verbal communication skills and a passion for translating science into drugs.
Location
- This is an office based role based in South San Francisco.
- Relocation benefits are available for this posting
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of CA is $141,500.00 - $262,900.00 USD. 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.
Skills Required
- PhD in biochemistry, chemical biology, structural biology, or a related field
- Demonstrated expertise in protein engineering and biology
- Proven record applying innovative molecular engineering approaches to complex biological or therapeutic challenges
- Foundational understanding of protein stability and protein-protein interactions
- Experience with methods for characterizing protein stability and protein-protein interactions
- Sustained record of scientific productivity and substantial contributions through publications, issued patents, or notable scientific presentations
- Strong collaboration, written communication, and verbal communication skills
- Passion for translational science and drug development
Genentech Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Genentech and has not been reviewed or approved by Genentech.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive across medical, dental, vision, mental health, and prescriptions, supported by HSAs/FSAs and broad wellness resources. On‑site fitness and health centers, mental‑health clinicians, and specialized programs like fully covered preventive cancer screenings and menopause support deepen the offering.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits feature a 401(k) with up to a 4% company match plus an additional annual 6% company contribution to eligible pay. Additional financial protections such as life and accident insurance complement salary, bonuses, and stock options.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time away includes about 20 paid vacation days, paid holidays, personal days, and a year‑end shutdown. A paid six‑week sabbatical every six years notably expands long‑term time‑off flexibility.
Genentech Insights
What We Do
Considered the founder of the industry, Genentech, now a member of the Roche Group, has been delivering on the promise of biotechnology for more than 40 years. Genentech is a biotechnology company dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. We're passionate about finding solutions for people facing the world's most difficult-to-treat conditions. That is why we use cutting-edge science to create and deliver innovative medicines around the globe. To us, science is personal. Making a difference in the lives of millions starts when you make a change in yours.
