Scientist 3 - Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering

Genentech • San Diego, CA

8d • $89,900 - $166,900 • Onsite

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 advance the company’s non-viral gene delivery platform by discovering and developing novel modalities that improve nuclear delivery of donor DNA cargo for its proprietary Super PiggyBac transposase-based gene insertion system. Work focuses on DNA delivery and nuclear shuttling, as well as mitigating DNA-mediated immunogenicity, using molecular and genetic engineering and high-throughput library screening in mammalian cell systems.

The Scientist will conduct hands-on laboratory research, develop and validate inventive strategies, and use both hypothesis-testing and screening methodologies to advance initiatives toward feasibility and proof-of-concept milestones. The work is intended to support incorporation into in vivo cell and gene therapy portfolios for cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare hematological disorders. The role involves extensive 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.

The position requires a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with at least 3 years of relevant academic and/or biopharma industry experience, or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline with 6 or more years of relevant industry experience. Demonstrated mammalian-cell high-throughput library screening proficiency, advanced nucleic acid manipulation and cloning expertise, and hands-on functional molecular assay experience are required. Relocation benefits are available. The stated salary range for the San Diego, California primary location is $89,900–$166,900; actual pay depends on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.

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, and a highly collaborative approach.
• Ability to communicate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Creative drive and a record of quickly developing and validating inventive concepts.

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 strategies for nuclear shuttling of DNA and improve nuclear delivery of donor DNA cargo.
• Discover and develop novel modalities through molecular and genetic engineering for the Super PiggyBac transposase-based gene insertion system.
• 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 benefits detailed at the link provided in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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