Senior/ Principal Scientist, Synthetic Molecule Analytical Chemistry

Roche • South San Francisco, CA

1d

About The Position

We advance science so that we all have more time with the people we love. 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 Opportunity: We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist with a strong record of laboratory innovation and technical depth to join our Synthetic Molecule Analytical Chemistry (SMAC) group. This role is ideal for a scientist who thrives at the bench and is excited to solve complex analytical challenges, while contributing to advancing programs spanning discovery through clinical development. The Scientist will play a key role in advancing a diverse pipeline including synthetic small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and drug delivery systems (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles), working in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment:

Requirements

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Sciences, Bioengineering, or relevant scientific disciplines with 0-2 years industry experience ( Senior Scientist); 3-5 years of industry experience (Principal Scientist). Exceptional candidates with Bachelor or Master degree in these fields with 12+ years of experience may be considered. Title and level will be aligned with qualifications and experience.
• Outstanding record of innovation and success in multiple projects over the course of graduate, post-doctoral and industrial career with a sustained publication or patent record.
• Deep hands-on expertise in at least one of the following areas for the analysis of synthetic small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, polymers, or nanoparticles (lipid and polymer nanoparticles) is required: Mass spectrometry method development (HRMS, MS/MS, structural elucidation) Chromatographic method development (reversed phase, normal phase, HILIC, SEC, SFC, 2D-LC/MS)
• Experience with chromatography and/or MS data systems (e.g., Empower, Xcalibur, MassHunter, Chromeleon), and ability to independently analyze complex datasets, is required.
• Excellent communication (orally and in writing) and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate, learn, and eventually lead in a CMC/cross functional environment.
• Ability to take initiative, think strategically, work in teams and develop people, have advanced literature searching and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (lipid nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the chemistry and formulation processes of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, polymeric systems).
• Exposure to CMC, regulatory submissions, or analytical control strategies.
• Working knowledge of data analysis, modeling, and AI assisted workflows, including the ability to effectively use AI tools (e.g., LLM).
• Familiarity with additional characterization tools (e.g., light scattering, rheology, spectroscopy, microscopy).

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and troubleshooting analytical methods from first principles, including sample preparation, method optimization, and data interpretation with state-of-the-art technologies including but not limited to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), UHPLC, 2D-LC/MS, GC/MS, light scattering, spectroscopy, rheology, microscopy.
• Applying and deepen expertise in HRMS, MS/MS, and/or chromatographic separations to solve complex analytical problems during drug discovery/development.
• Contributing to regulatory submissions, including authoring sections and preparing data packages for health authority interactions.
• Partnering with cross-functional teams (process development, formulation, safety science, quality, etc.) to develop control strategies aligned with cGMP, ICH, and regulatory expectations.
• Informing program decisions across discovery and early development, i.e. generating high-quality data to guide molecular and formulation decisions
• Innovating and evaluating new technologies in analytical chemistry or materials characterization to enable the integration of state-of-the-art instrumentation and software to solve complex problems.
• Maintaining a high-level scientific profile both internally and externally in terms of pipeline contributions and scholarly achievements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees