Scientist 3 - Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering

Roche • San Diego, CA

10d • $89,900 - $166,900

About The Position

Genentech's Genetic Medicine Technology department in San Diego is seeking a Scientist 3 to join its Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering group and help further develop its non-viral gene delivery platform. The role focuses on discovering and developing novel modalities through molecular and genetic engineering to improve nuclear delivery of donor DNA cargo for Genentech's proprietary Super PiggyBac transposase-based gene insertion system, including enhancing DNA delivery and nuclear shuttling and mitigating DNA-mediated immunogenicity. Prior experience with unbiased, high-throughput library screening in mammalian cell systems is essential.

The scientist will conduct hands-on laboratory research, conceptualize and evaluate strategies for nuclear shuttling of DNA, and use hypothesis testing and screening to advance research toward feasibility and proof-of-concept milestones. The work is intended to support in vivo cell and gene therapy portfolios addressing cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare hematological disorders. The role involves close collaboration with the Non-viral Nanotechnology and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology teams and other internal specialists, translating research data into practical clinical and drug discovery frameworks.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Innate Immunology, or a related field, with 3 years of relevant academic and/or biopharma industry experience; or a master's degree in one of these fields or a related field, with 6 or more years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with high-throughput library screening in mammalian cell systems.
• Expertise in advanced nucleic acid manipulation and molecular cloning methods, such as IVT, mammalian expression vector design, library design and cloning, Golden Gate cloning, SDM, and Gibson assembly.
• Hands-on experience with functional molecular assays, including Western blot, reporter assays, ddPCR, or qRT-PCR, to evaluate transgene delivery.
• Self-starting mindset, passion for solving scientific problems, creative drive, and ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. preferred.
• Familiarity with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Experience working with primary cells and cell lines, specifically hepatocytes, T cells, and monocytes/macrophages.

Responsibilities

• Advance the non-viral gene delivery platform through hands-on laboratory work.
• Conceptualize and evaluate novel strategies for nuclear shuttling of DNA.
• Perform exploratory research using hypothesis testing and screening methodologies.
• Move research initiatives toward feasibility and proof-of-concept milestones for potential incorporation into in vivo cell and gene therapy portfolios.
• Collaborate with the Non-viral Nanotechnology and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology teams and other internal specialists.
• Translate research-derived data into practical clinical and drug discovery frameworks.

Benefits

• Relocation benefits are available.
• A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
• The position qualifies for company benefits detailed at the provided link.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior