Senior Scientist - Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering

Genentech • San Diego, CA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Genentech's Genetic Medicine Technology department in San Diego is looking for a talented and driven Senior Scientist to become part of our Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering group. In this role, you will lead efforts to further develop our non-viral gene delivery platform. We are looking for an outstanding molecular biologist who possesses significant experience in gene engineering and nucleic acid biology, specifically focused on enhancing DNA delivery and nuclear shuttling and mitigation of DNA-mediated immunogenicity. Prior experience with high-throughput library screening approaches in mammalian cell systems is essential for this role. The core focus of this role will be the discovery and development of novel modalities through molecular and genetic engineering to improve nuclear delivery of donor DNA cargo for our proprietary Super PiggyBac transposase-based gene insertion system. Experience with unbiased, high-throughput library screening approaches is a must. The ideal candidate will be highly creative, self-driven, and thrive within a collaborative, cross-functional organization. You will collaborate extensively with the Non-viral Nanotechnology and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology teams to generate and evaluate novel hypotheses, helping to advance our non-viral gene delivery platform.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Innate Immunology, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of 2 years of experience in either industry or academia.
• 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 & cloning, Golden Gate cloning, SDM, and Gibson assembly.
• Hands-on skills with functional molecular assays, including Western blot, reporter assays, ddPCR, or qRT-PCR, to evaluate transgene delivery.
• A self-starting mindset, a passion for solving scientific problems, and a highly collaborative approach.
• Exceptional creative drive and the ability to communicate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is highly advantageous.
• Experience working with primary cells and cell lines (specifically hepatocytes, T cells and monocytes/macrophages).

Responsibilities

• Advance our non-viral gene delivery platform through hands-on laboratory work, spearheading the conceptualization and evaluation of novel strategies for nuclear shuttling of DNA.
• Direct and perform rigorous, research-focused projects utilizing both hypothesis testing and screening methodologies to move initiatives toward critical feasibility and proof-of-concept milestones, facilitating their incorporation into our in vivo cell and gene therapy portfolios aimed at treating cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare hematological disorders.
• Engage in deep collaboration with various internal specialists and teams to ensure that research-derived data is successfully converted into practical clinical and drug discovery frameworks.

Benefits

• Relocation benefits are available for this job 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