Principal Scientist, Nucleic Acid Technology

Roche • Pleasanton, CA

1d • $111,000 - $206,500 • Onsite

About The Position

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.
At Roche Diagnostics, we are at the forefront of molecular diagnostics, driving innovations that improve patient care and global health. Join our dynamic and inclusive team, and contribute to groundbreaking research in nucleic acid-based diagnostic technologies.
We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled Principal Scientist, Nucleic Acid Technology Specialist to support the development of advanced molecular diagnostics technologies. This role requires expertise in both preparative chromatography and analytical techniques, spanning the entire product development lifecycle—from early-stage research through on-market Support.
As part of the Chemistry Team, you will have access to cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art instrumentation, enabling you to contribute meaningfully to advancements in molecular diagnostics. Your work will directly impact global health, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of diagnostics.
You will advanced Research & Development: Synthesize, purify, characterize complex oligonucleotides, their analogs, and related small molecule reagents. Drive process optimization to enable efficient scale-up and successful product launches.
You will use Analytical Method Development: Innovate new analytical methods for characterizing reagents and assay performance, with applications spanning R&D and Operations.
You will Problem Solve: Design and execute advanced troubleshooting experiments independently and in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Develop assays that push the limits of system understanding and error detection to ensure robust designs.
You will support/oversee Data & Documentation Transfer: Depending on your experience, you will manage knowledge handoffs of prototype methods and assist in transferring comprehensive documentation from research stages to development and manufacturing teams.
You are an Expert Collaborator: Act as a subject matter expert to provide technical depth across R&D departments and operations.
This position is based on-site in Pleasanton, CA.

Requirements

• You hold a Ph.D. (preferred) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Medical Chemistry or a related field and have at least 2+ years of relevant industry experience, OR you hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Medical Chemistry or a related field with 5+ years of industry experience.
• You have a high level of Experimental Expertise: You bring comprehensive experience and problem-solving skills in UPLC/HPLC, ion pair chromatography, ion exchange, advanced mass spectrometry, absorption spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• You have Nucleic Acid & Reagent Expertise: You possess in-depth knowledge of DNA, RNA, modified oligonucleotides (including dye- and non-natural modifications), and small molecule reagents. You also demonstrate strong expertise in purifying and characterizing oligonucleotides and small molecules.
• You are highly proficient in Advanced Assay Design: You have proven skills in oligonucleotide characterization, experimental design, particularly in developing and optimizing sophisticated analytical assays.
• You are a highly organized communicator with a strong attention to detail, expert technical writing skills to enable the preparation of clear, detailed documentation, including analytical reports.
• You excel in verbal and written communication, making you an effective cross-disciplinary collaborator.
• You are proactive and collaborative; exhibiting a proactive approach to problem-solving, a growth mindset, and a passion for contributing to a collaborative workplace culture.

Nice To Haves

• You are highly proficient in efficiently organizing and maintaining a research laboratory.
• You have a high level of experience with synthetic chemistry or automated DNA synthesis platforms, phosphoramidite chemistry, and click chemistry.
• You have demonstrated working knowledge of PCR and/or other amplification technologies.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize, purify, characterize complex oligonucleotides, their analogs, and related small molecule reagents. Drive process optimization to enable efficient scale-up and successful product launches.
• Innovate new analytical methods for characterizing reagents and assay performance, with applications spanning R&D and Operations.
• Design and execute advanced troubleshooting experiments independently and in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Develop assays that push the limits of system understanding and error detection to ensure robust designs.
• Manage knowledge handoffs of prototype methods and assist in transferring comprehensive documentation from research stages to development and manufacturing teams.
• Act as a subject matter expert to provide technical depth across R&D departments and operations.

What This Job Offers

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