We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology Department. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic, highly collaborative team driving the discovery and characterization of innovative therapeutic drug candidates that could transform patient outcomes.
Operating at the intersection of cutting-edge science and drug development, you will play a crucial role in selecting and evaluating different modalities of therapeutic candidates from early-stage research to final IND candidate selection. In this role, you will apply your deep expertise in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology to establish screening assay cascades and dissect complex receptor mechanisms of action to inform target candidate profiles. You will lead and contribute to the development, optimization, and execution of sophisticated molecular pharmacology assays, acting as a primary subject matter expert on project teams and shaping program directions.
The Opportunity
Provide Strategic Leadership: Serve as the primary GPCR expert and strategic advocate for Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology on multidisciplinary project teams, contributing both at the bench and at leadership levels to drive decision-making.
Drive Pharmacological Characterization: Oversee and contribute to rigorous in vitro pharmacological characterization to advance lead candidates in the cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.
Design and Implement Complex Assays: Lead the development, optimization, and execution of advanced molecular pharmacology assays—focusing heavily on protein-protein interactions, secondary messengers, and biosensors—to interrogate complex GPCR mechanisms of action in transfected and primary cells.
Collaborate and Mentor: Work within multidisciplinary teams and provide direct scientific mentorship and strategic guidance to Scientist partners to execute complex experiments, streamline workflows, and ensure robust data analysis.
Pioneer Technology: Demonstrate scientific curiosity by maintaining deep domain expertise and continually evaluating, adopting, and leveraging rapidly advancing technologies to evolve our pharmacological capabilities and advance next-generation therapeutics.
Communicate Findings: Conduct comprehensive data analysis using advanced computational tools, and present high-quality scientific findings and strategic directions to internal stakeholders, project teams, and senior leadership.
Who You Are
Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 1–5 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
Demonstrated expertise in receptor theory, signal transduction pathways, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling, along with hands-on experience across diverse GPCR assay platforms (e.g., cAMP, calcium flux, BRET/FRET, Beta-arrestin recruitment).
Expertise in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.
Passionate about dissecting complex receptor pharmacology and translating its functional impact into disease-relevant biological readouts using advanced model systems.
Experience working with a wide range of primary cells and gene-editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR).
Proven track record in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical and cell-based assay cascades in primary and recombinant systems.
Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a passion for guiding junior scientists and contributing effectively to cross-functional teams (e.g., Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Protein Sciences…).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of delivering impactful scientific presentations to project teams and executive leadership.
Ability to multi-task, display a strong problem-solving mindset and drive projects forward with a strong, self-driven work ethic in a fast-paced environment.
Relocation benefits are available for this posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $124,300.00 - $230,900.00 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
- Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline
- 1–5 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience
- Expertise in receptor theory, signal transduction pathways, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling
- Hands-on experience with GPCR assay platforms, including cAMP, calcium flux, BRET/FRET, and beta-arrestin recruitment
- Expertise in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease
- Experience with primary cells and gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR
- Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical and cell-based assay cascades
- Strong leadership, mentoring, written communication, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to analyze data, multitask, solve problems, and work independently in a fast-paced environment
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
