Principal Research Scientist II, Sequencing Applications

Roche • Pleasanton, CA

108d • $108,400 - $201,200

About The Position

At Roche, we are passionate about transforming patients' lives and are bold in both decision and action. We believe that good business means a better world. This is why we come to work each day, committed to scientific rigor, unassailable ethics, and ensuring access to medical innovations for all. We do this today to build a better tomorrow. We are seeking a Principal Scientist to join our Sequencing Workflows and Applications Team—a research and early development group committed to making a tangible impact on the future of healthcare. Your mission will be to build the application ecosystem for our revolutionary Axelios Sequencing platform, translating the immense potential of our Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology into real-world tools. This is a hands-on, lab-based role where scientific excellence and a proactive, results-oriented mindset are paramount. You will spearhead innovative projects and key collaborations, driving the science from the initial idea to a fully realized solution. This is an opportunity for a visionary scientist to not only pioneer new workflows but to help shape the next generation of medical innovation.

Requirements

• A degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• PhD with 3+ years of relevant industry experience, OR Master’s with 6+ years of relevant industry experience, OR Bachelor’s with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Deep understanding of the molecular biology of sample preparation for NGS.
• Demonstrated experience designing and optimizing multiple distinct NGS workflows.
• Experience beyond standard library preparation from DNA or RNA, such as single-cell sequencing, protein detection by sequencing, or spatial sequencing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting standard bioinformatics pipeline outputs and sequencing metrics for genomic analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively within and across teams.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to efficiently evaluate, prioritize and handle multiple changing projects and priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with a range of NGS instruments (e.g. Illumina, Pacbio, Oxford).
• Experience with automating sequencing workflow on systems like the Hamilton or Tecan.
• Strong record of innovation, demonstrated by publications and patents.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process control (SPC).
• Proficient in technical writing.

Responsibilities

• Join a tight-knit local team of dedicated and curious scientists.
• Role-model leadership qualities and mentor junior scientists.
• Champion a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Work closely with commercial partners, external researchers, and internal bioinformatics colleagues to implement and analyze novel workflows.
• Translate complex data into meaningful interpretations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Invent, prototype, and characterize different sequencing workflows by designing and executing rigorous experiments.
• Proactively troubleshoot assays, resolve technical issues and challenges, and perform data interpretation by applying broad knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
• Support the adoption of novel Axelios applications by creating technical content, including application notes and publications, and presenting data at scientific conferences.
• Identify and champion new technological opportunities, contributing to the strategic direction of the R&D organization.

Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus based on individual and Company performance.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees