Senior Director – Nanotechnology

Genentech•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech! The newly formed Genetic Medicine Technology group in gRED (Genentech Research and Early Development) is redefining the future of cell and gene therapies. Our proprietary non-viral gene delivery and gene editing platforms, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), piggyBac® and Cas-CLOVER™, enable the development of next-generation CAR-T therapies with the potential to cure cancer and genetic diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated leader with a strong technical background in nanoparticle and LNP-mediated nucleic acids drug delivery. This person will join a dynamic and talented research team advancing non-viral therapies. This individual will direct efforts in developing novel non-viral drug delivery vehicles by overseeing the nanoparticle/nanotechnology function, working closely with the head of GMT. This individual will collaborate directly with immunology, bioanalytical, molecular biology, and pharmacology functions at Genentech San Diego to advance both platform and pipeline programs. This individual will also collaborate broadly with Genentech San Francisco and Roche research and innovation sites. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise with LNPs and chemistry, with additional expertise in pre-clinical models, xenographs, and T cell biology/manipulation.

Requirements

Ph.D. in chemistry, engineering, bioengineering, nanotechnology, material science or a related field with 15+ years of relevant industry and academic experience. A strong background in DNA delivery is a plus.
Experience successfully advancing a candidate to IND-enabling studies is required.
Proven expertise in nanoparticle science, especially LNP delivery systems and non-viral gene transfer/delivery.
Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with design of experiments statistical analyses for process optimization, using software such as JMP statistical tools.
Familiarity with nucleic acids chemistry and molecular biology is highly desirable.
Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Passionate for people development with a proven track record in developing staff and high performing teams
Exceptional people and team management skills

Nice To Haves

A background working with targeted siRNAs, liposomes, or ADCs is valued.
Experience working in the immunology space and with T cells is a plus, though not required.

Responsibilities

Lead all research efforts for nanoparticle formulation, analytical characterization, and primary functional evaluation.
Discover and optimize applications of novel lipids from diverse structural families for LNP-mediated delivery of nucleic acid payloads.
Co-lead screening efforts, in vitro and in vivo, working closely with molecular and in vivo pharmacology groups, to identify novel LNP formulations for optimal tissue/cell delivery.
Collaborate with diverse groups across the organization, including those representing cell therapy, vector engineering, pharmacology, translational biology, immuno-oncology, CMC, process development, and small molecule subject matter experts.
Study fundamental mechanisms of action including LNP circulation, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and specific behaviors unique to a particular payload class.
Lead efforts to advance platform development for an in vivo therapeutic application of an LNP modality from concept through clinical validation.
Analyze and interpret complex datasets, prepare clear reports, and present findings in internal program meetings, cross-functional reviews, and governance forums.
Lead and contribute to external publications, conference abstracts, and patent filings relevant to LNP development for autoimmune, neurology, and oncology indications.

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