Principal Scientist, Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology

Genentech • Daly City, CA

2d

About The Position

Genentech is seeking a talented, highly motivated scientist to join its Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology Department. The role contributes to the discovery and characterization of therapeutic drug candidates, from early-stage research through final IND candidate selection. The scientist applies deep expertise in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology to establish screening assay cascades, investigate receptor mechanisms of action, and inform target candidate profiles.

The position serves as a primary GPCR subject matter expert on multidisciplinary project teams, contributing at the bench and at leadership levels. It involves leading and contributing to the development, optimization, and execution of sophisticated molecular pharmacology assays, including assays involving protein-protein interactions, secondary messengers, and biosensors. The scientist supports pharmacological characterization of candidates in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease areas, mentors Scientist colleagues, analyzes data with advanced computational tools, and communicates findings and strategic directions to project teams, internal stakeholders, and senior leadership. The role also requires evaluating and applying emerging technologies to advance pharmacological capabilities and next-generation therapeutics.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 4–12 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in receptor theory, signal transduction pathways, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling.
• Hands-on experience with diverse GPCR assay platforms, such as cAMP, calcium flux, BRET/FRET, and Beta-arrestin recruitment.
• Expertise in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.
• Experience working with a wide range of primary cells and gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR.
• Proven track record developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical and cell-based assay cascades in primary and recombinant systems.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills and ability to contribute effectively to cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of impactful scientific presentations to project teams and executive leadership.
• Ability to multitask, solve problems, and drive projects forward with a self-driven work ethic in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary GPCR expert and strategic advocate for Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology on multidisciplinary project teams, contributing at the bench and leadership levels to support decision-making.
• Oversee and contribute to rigorous in vitro pharmacological characterization to advance lead candidates in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.
• Lead the development, optimization, and execution of advanced molecular pharmacology assays focused on protein-protein interactions, secondary messengers, and biosensors in transfected and primary cells.
• Mentor and provide strategic scientific guidance to Scientist partners in executing complex experiments, streamlining workflows, and ensuring robust data analysis.
• Maintain domain expertise and evaluate, adopt, and leverage emerging technologies to evolve pharmacological capabilities and advance next-generation therapeutics.
• Conduct comprehensive data analysis using advanced computational tools.
• Present scientific findings and strategic directions to internal stakeholders, project teams, and senior leadership.
• Develop and characterize therapeutic drug candidates from early-stage research through final IND candidate selection.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree