The Opportunity
Join Genentech's Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology Department and help shape the future of cardio-metabolic therapeutics. We are seeking a creative, motivated scientist to drive the discovery and characterization of innovative drug candidates that could transform patient outcomes.
Operating at the intersection of cutting-edge science and drug development, you will support the selection and characterization of therapeutic candidates across our pipeline. In this role, you will develop, validate, and execute sophisticated biochemical and cell-based assays in heterologous and physiologically relevant systems to evaluate drugs in cardiovascular, renal and metabolic areas. You will support projects from initial lead finding through optimization, conducting detailed mechanistic studies on complex receptor signaling pathways and protein interactions. Ultimately, your scientific insights will help define target candidate profiles and shape the screening cascades that deliver our next-generation therapeutics.
Primary Responsibilities
Design and execute rigorous experiments independently, troubleshoot issues, analyze complex data using advanced computational tools and software, and document results
Drive screening efforts across multiple projects, leveraging a comprehensive toolkit of functional assays and technologies
Pioneer novel assay platforms that interrogate complex receptor pharmacology and mechanism of action, showing scientific curiosity and reviewing literature to drive your initiatives
Drive automation and efficiency using laboratory robotics (Bravo, Tecan, Echo…) to streamline workflows and accelerate timelines
Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment, generate high-quality presentations, and communicate findings to stakeholders
Who You Are
Bachelor's degree and/or Master's degree in Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or related field
5+ years of hands-on research experience in fast-paced pharma or biotech environments
Expert-level proficiency with culture of mammalian cells, primary cells, and stable cell line generation
Knowledgeable in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways, ligand-receptor binding kinetics, and standard pharmacological characterization
Hands-on experience with a variety of microplate-format biochemical and cellular assays (e.g., HTRF, AlphaScreen, or luminescence-based readouts)
A critical thinker with strong problem-solving abilities and scientific rigor
Independent and collaborative—equally comfortable leading your own work and working as a team
Organized and detail-oriented, with excellent time management skills
An excellent communicator (written and verbal) who can work seamlessly across cross-functional project teams
Preferred Qualifications
Expertise in the cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease field
Experience with flow cytometry, ELISA assays, or high-content image analysis
Experience with lab automation and high-throughput screening
Proficiency with data analysis software and visualization tools (GraphPad Prism, Genedata, Excel, Python, R)
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $85,500 to $158,700. 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or related field
- 5+ years of hands-on research experience in pharma or biotech environments
- Expert-level proficiency with mammalian cell culture, primary cells, and stable cell line generation
- Knowledge of GPCR signaling pathways, ligand-receptor binding kinetics, and pharmacological characterization
- Hands-on experience with microplate-format biochemical and cellular assays (e.g., HTRF, AlphaScreen, luminescence readouts)
- Experience designing and executing experiments, troubleshooting, analyzing complex data, and documenting results
- Hands-on experience with laboratory robotics and automation (Bravo, Tecan, Echo) and high-throughput screening workflows
- Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration, organization, and time-management skills
- Experience with flow cytometry, ELISA, or high-content image analysis
- Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (GraphPad Prism, Genedata, Excel, Python, R)
- Expertise in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease research
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.
