The Opportunity
The Sudharsan Lab in the Department of Immunology and Ophthalmology at Genentech is seeking a highly motivated, resilient, and curious Scientist 3 to drive the target identification, validation, and development of novel therapies for retinal diseases, with a strong focus on Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
As part of Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED), scientists bridge basic biology and translational drug discovery. In this role, you will design and execute research strategies using advanced retinal cellular systems to validate targets, elucidate disease mechanisms, and advance novel therapies. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to translate biological insights into therapeutic candidates and share your findings at internal forums and external conferences.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop human iPSC-derived retinal models (such as RPE and photoreceptors) and design cell-based assays to validate novel targets, study AMD pathogenesis, and evaluate therapeutic candidates.
- Quickly learn and implement new experimental workflows and analytical tools as project priorities evolve.
- Maintain rigorous experimental design, meticulous electronic lab records, and high standards of data reproducibility.
- Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams across the department and broader gRED functional areas.
- Communicate research findings clearly across internal project teams and at external scientific conferences.
Who You Are
- Ph.D. in Stem Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Ophthalmology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
- Strong background in cell culture-based assay development, execution, and troubleshooting.
- Experience with human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, maintenance, and differentiation workflows.
- A strong track record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable scientific journals.
- Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills with a proven ability to work effectively within large, cross-functional group settings.
- A strong desire and enthusiasm to learn and integrate new experimental techniques, assays, and analytical tools.
Preferred:
- Direct research experience in retinal cell biology, ocular tissue models, or specialized research in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) or inherited retinal degenerations.
- Experience with gene editing approaches and/or omics technologies (e.g., single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, or proteomics).
- Experience with 3D retinal organoids, multi-cell co-culture systems, or advanced tissue engineering platforms.
- Familiarity with target engagement assays, high-throughput screening, or translational pipeline workflows.
Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $103,400 to $192,000. 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
- Ph.D. in Stem Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Ophthalmology, or a closely related scientific discipline
- Strong background in cell culture-based assay development, execution, and troubleshooting
- Experience with human induced pluripotent stem cell culture, maintenance, and differentiation workflows
- Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable scientific journals
- Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills in large, cross-functional group settings
- Direct research experience in retinal cell biology, ocular tissue models, AMD, or inherited retinal degenerations
- Experience with gene editing approaches or omics technologies, including single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, or proteomics
- Experience with 3D retinal organoids, multi-cell co-culture systems, or advanced tissue engineering platforms
- Familiarity with target engagement assays, high-throughput screening, or translational pipeline workflows
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.
