A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech!
Genentech's Genetic Medicine Technology department in San Diego is looking for a talented and driven Senior Scientist to become part of our Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering group. In this role, you will lead efforts to further develop our non-viral gene delivery platform. We are looking for an outstanding molecular biologist who possesses significant experience in gene engineering and nucleic acid biology, specifically focused on enhancing DNA delivery and nuclear shuttling and mitigation of DNA-mediated immunogenicity. Prior experience with high-throughput library screening approaches in mammalian cell systems is essential for this role.
The core focus of this role will be the discovery and development of novel modalities through molecular and genetic engineering to improve nuclear delivery of donor DNA cargo for our proprietary Super PiggyBac transposase-based gene insertion system. Experience with unbiased, high-throughput library screening approaches is a must.
The ideal candidate will be highly creative, self-driven, and thrive within a collaborative, cross-functional organization. You will collaborate extensively with the Non-viral Nanotechnology and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology teams to generate and evaluate novel hypotheses, helping to advance our non-viral gene delivery platform.
Key responsibilities include:
Innovation and Scientific Creativity: You will advance our non-viral gene delivery platform through hands-on laboratory work, spearheading the conceptualization and evaluation of novel strategies for nuclear shuttling of DNA. We seek a visionary scientist with a proven history of quickly developing and validating inventive concepts.
Driving Translational Results: Direct and perform rigorous, research-focused projects utilizing both hypothesis testing and screening methodologies. Your objective will be to move these initiatives toward critical feasibility and proof-of-concept milestones, facilitating their incorporation into our in vivo cell and gene therapy portfolios aimed at treating cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare hematological disorders.
Cross-Functional Partnership: Engage in deep collaboration with various internal specialists and teams. In this interdisciplinary role, you will ensure that research-derived data is successfully converted into practical clinical and drug discovery frameworks.
Academic Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Innate Immunology, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of 2 years of experience as a post-doc in an academic setting or post Ph.D. in the bio-pharma industry.
Research & Screening Expertise: A requirement for this role is demonstrated proficiency with high-throughput library screening in mammalian cell systems.
Core Technical Skills: Candidates must possess expertise in advanced nucleic acid manipulation and molecular cloning methods, such as IVT, mammalian expression vector design, library design & cloning, Golden Gate cloning, SDM, and Gibson assembly.
Laboratory Experience: Hands-on skills with functional molecular assays, including Western blot, reporter assays, ddPCR, or qRT-PCR, to evaluate transgene delivery is required.
Innovation & Teamwork: Essential traits include a self-starting mindset, a passion for solving scientific problems, and a highly collaborative approach. Successful applicants will demonstrate exceptional creative drive and the ability to communicate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
Preferred:
Familiarity with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is highly advantageous.
Experience working with primary cells and cell lines (specifically hepatocytes, T cells and monocytes/macrophages).
Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of San Diego, CA is $108,100 - $200,700. 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
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Innate Immunology, or related field
- Minimum of 2 years post-doctoral experience in academic setting or equivalent post-Ph.D. industry experience
- Demonstrated proficiency with high-throughput library screening in mammalian cell systems
- Expertise in advanced nucleic acid manipulation and molecular cloning methods (IVT, mammalian expression vector design, library design & cloning, Golden Gate cloning, SDM, Gibson assembly)
- Hands-on experience with functional molecular assays to evaluate transgene delivery (Western blot, reporter assays, ddPCR, qRT-PCR)
- Strong collaborative communication skills, self-starter mindset, creativity and problem-solving orientation
- Familiarity with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Experience working with primary cells and relevant cell lines (hepatocytes, T cells, monocytes/macrophages)
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.
