Scientist 3, CVRM Discovery Research Biology
About The Position
The Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM) Research Biology group within Genentech Research and Early Development is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Scientist 3 to advance extra-hepatic, cell- and tissue-selective drug delivery platforms. This laboratory-based role leads the biological discovery and validation of novel cell-surface receptors for targeted delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, including siRNAs and ASOs. The scientist partners with therapeutic discovery, vector design, proteomics, and disease biology teams to shape next-generation delivery strategies for CVRM indications. The role is based at Genentech’s South San Francisco, California campus and requires onsite presence five days per week. Relocation benefits are available. The expected salary range is $103,400 to $192,000, with actual pay depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance. The position also qualifies for company benefits.
Requirements
- PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline; alternatively, a Master's degree with 6 or more years, or a Bachelor's degree with 8 or more years, of equivalent relevant industry research experience.
- Deep mechanistic expertise in cell-surface receptor biology, membrane proteins, receptor-mediated endocytosis, and intracellular vesicle trafficking pathways.
- Hands-on capability in mammalian cell culture using primary cells, stem-cell-derived lineages, or ex vivo tissues, and quantitative cell-based assay development.
- Experience with CVRM cellular systems such as cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelium, adipose tissue, or skeletal muscle.
- Technical proficiency in molecular biology methods such as CRISPR, RNAi, qRT-PCR/digital PCR, RNA sequencing, Western blotting, or immunoassays, and cellular analysis tools such as flow cytometry or high-content imaging.
- Documented scientific achievement through peer-reviewed publications, patents, or recognized contributions to drug discovery pipelines.
- Strong collaborative and communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- PhD strongly preferred.
- Direct experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics (siRNA or ASO) and targeted conjugate platforms, such as antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates or peptide/ligand conjugates.
- Deep understanding of mechanisms governing endosomal escape and productive intracellular bioavailability.
- Hands-on familiarity with cell-surface proteomics (surfaceomics), spatial transcriptomics, or single-cell RNA sequencing for target receptor discovery.
- Practical expertise in quantitative live-cell confocal imaging, high-content imaging platforms, and automated image analysis.
- Experience with preclinical in vivo biodistribution, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies, and tissue pharmacodynamic profiling.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a biological strategy to identify, prioritize, and validate cell-surface receptors that can mediate selective nucleic acid delivery to CVRM-relevant tissues.
- Establish, culture, and characterize physiologically relevant in vitro and ex vivo cellular systems, including striated muscle, for targeted-delivery evaluation.
- Design and implement quantitative mechanistic assays to assess ligand-receptor binding, occupancy, internalization kinetics, intracellular trafficking, and endosomal escape.
- Evaluate novel targeting ligands and bioconjugates, including antibody- or peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates, for functional cargo delivery, downstream pharmacodynamics, and target gene modulation.
- Use genetic and molecular perturbation tools, including CRISPR and RNAi, and biochemical methods to establish receptor dependency and mechanism of action.
- Design and execute preclinical in vivo biodistribution and proof-of-concept pharmacology studies to demonstrate disease-modifying therapeutic potential.
- Communicate experimental conclusions and strategic delivery milestones to cross-functional matrix teams and drug discovery committees.
Benefits
- Relocation benefits are available.
- A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.
- The position qualifies for company benefits; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
