Senior Scientist, Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology

Roche • South San Francisco, CA

8d • $124,300 - $230,900 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology Department. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic, highly collaborative team driving the discovery and characterization of innovative therapeutic drug candidates that could transform patient outcomes. Operating at the intersection of cutting-edge science and drug development, you will play a crucial role in selecting and evaluating different modalities of therapeutic candidates from early-stage research to final IND candidate selection. In this role, you will apply your deep expertise in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology to establish screening assay cascades and dissect complex receptor mechanisms of action to inform target candidate profiles. You will lead and contribute to the development, optimization, and execution of sophisticated molecular pharmacology assays, acting as a primary subject matter expert on project teams and shaping program directions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 1–5 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in receptor theory, signal transduction pathways, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling, along with hands-on experience across diverse GPCR assay platforms (e.g., cAMP, calcium flux, BRET/FRET, Beta-arrestin recruitment).
• Expertise in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.
• Passionate about dissecting complex receptor pharmacology and translating its functional impact into disease-relevant biological readouts using advanced model systems.
• Experience working with a wide range of primary cells and gene-editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR).
• Proven track record in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical and cell-based assay cascades in primary and recombinant systems.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a passion for guiding junior scientists and contributing effectively to cross-functional teams (e.g., Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Protein Sciences…)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of delivering impactful scientific presentations to project teams and executive leadership.
• Ability to multi-task, display a strong problem-solving mindset and drive projects forward with a strong, self-driven work ethic in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary GPCR expert and strategic advocate for Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology on multidisciplinary project teams, contributing both at the bench and at leadership levels to drive decision-making.
• Oversee and contribute to rigorous in vitro pharmacological characterization to advance lead candidates in the cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.
• Lead the development, optimization, and execution of advanced molecular pharmacology assays—focusing heavily on protein-protein interactions, secondary messengers, and biosensors—to interrogate complex GPCR mechanisms of action in transfected and primary cells.
• Work within multidisciplinary teams and provide direct scientific mentorship and strategic guidance to Scientist partners to execute complex experiments, streamline workflows, and ensure robust data analysis.
• Demonstrate scientific curiosity by maintaining deep domain expertise and continually evaluating, adopting, and leveraging rapidly advancing technologies to evolve our pharmacological capabilities and advance next-generation therapeutics.
• Conduct comprehensive data analysis using advanced computational tools, and present high-quality scientific findings and strategic directions to internal stakeholders, project teams, and senior leadership.

Benefits

• Relocation benefits are available for this posting.
• A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
• This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree