Scientist 3 - Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering
About The Position
Genentech’s Genetic Medicine Technology department in San Diego is seeking a Scientist 3 for its Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering group. The role will lead efforts to further develop the company’s non-viral gene delivery platform, focusing on improving DNA delivery and nuclear shuttling and mitigating DNA-mediated immunogenicity. The scientist will discover and develop 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. The position combines hands-on laboratory research, hypothesis testing, and high-throughput screening to advance ideas toward feasibility and proof-of-concept milestones. The work supports potential applications in in vivo cell and gene therapy portfolios addressing cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare hematological disorders. The scientist will work closely with the Non-viral Nanotechnology and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology teams and other internal specialists to translate research data into practical clinical and drug discovery frameworks. The successful candidate will be creative, self-driven, and collaborative.
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 in high-throughput library screening in mammalian cell systems.
- Expertise in advanced nucleic acid manipulation and molecular cloning methods, including IVT, mammalian expression vector design, library design and cloning, Golden Gate cloning, SDM, and Gibson assembly.
- Hands-on experience with functional molecular assays such as 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 effectively and collaborate within diverse multidisciplinary teams.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. degree.
- 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.
- Conduct exploratory research using hypothesis testing and screening methodologies.
- Move research initiatives toward feasibility and proof-of-concept milestones for potential inclusion in in vivo cell and gene therapy portfolios.
- Collaborate with the Non-viral Nanotechnology team, Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology team, 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 a link in the posting.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
