Senior Scientist, Stem Cell Product Attribute Sciences (Allogeneic Cell Therapy)

Roche

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

South San Francisco, California

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Lead the translation of exploratory research assays into robust, IND-enabling methods for allogeneic cell therapies. Develop safety, purity, and potency assays to ensure product consistency and regulatory compliance for clinical manufacturing.

Qualifications

You have a Ph.D. in Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine, or a related field with 0-2 years of industry experience and possess expert-level hands-on experience with ddPCR and multi-color Flow Cytometry. You are passionate about building robust assays from the ground up and have a foundational understanding of the drug development lifecycle, particularly in the CMC space.

Must Have Skills for ATS

ddPCR

multi-color Flow Cytometry

Stem Cell Biology

Regenerative Medicine

CMC

IND filings

iPSC

ESC

BLA submissions

Design of Experiments (DoE)

Job Description

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 Mission: We are moving beyond the limitations of patient-specific therapies to build the future of "off-the-shelf" medicine. Our Allogeneic platform is designed to provide life-saving treatments at a global scale. To get there, we need to bridge the gap between exploratory research and clinical manufacturing. We are looking for an expert who can lead the translation of exploratory research assays into precise, robust, and IND-enabling methods. This is a critical role where you will not only characterize starting materials but develop assays to elucidate definitive proof of lineage commitment and product safety required for clinical success.

The Opportunity

This role offers the unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of cell therapy. The work you do here tackles the "next frontier" of complexity in regenerative medicine. You will be the architect of the assays that ensure our most innovative products are safe, consistent, and ready for the patients who need them.

Key Responsibilities

  • Method Translation & Standardization: Transition exploratory research protocols into standardized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed for a rigorous CMC environment.

  • Regulatory Data Generation: Lead the generation and validation of critical data required for Module 3 of Investigational New Drug (IND) filings.

  • Safety & Purity Testing: Develop and execute ultra-sensitive assays (e.g., ddPCR, multi-color Flow Cytometry) for the detection of residual undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells to meet stringent FDA safety requirements.

  • Phenotypic Fingerprinting: Establish lineage-specific characterization protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and biological identity of differentiated products.

  • Potency Assay Development: Create Mechanism of Action (MoA)-reflective assays to demonstrate in vitro biological function of differentiated cell products.

  • Cross-Functional Strategy: Act as the primary liaison between Research and Development teams to ensure "Critical Quality Attributes" (CQAs) are measurable, scalable, and clinically relevant.

Who you are

Job Requirements:

  • Academic ExcellencePh.D. in Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine, or a related field (0-2 years experience in industry), with a thesis focused on complex cell characterization or differentiation.

  • Technical Deep-Dive: Expert-level hands-on experience with ddPCR and multi-color Flow Cytometry (10+ colors). You should be the person others go to for troubleshooting these instruments.

  • The "Scientist-as-Architect" Mindset: A passion for not just running assays, but building them from the ground up to be robust, reproducible, and precise.

  • CMC Curiosity & Literacy: You have a foundational understanding of the drug development lifecycle and a strong desire to specialize in the CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) space. You are eager to learn how to translate "bench science" into the standardized, high-stakes environment of clinical manufacturing.

  • Agility: A "fast-learner" track record—you can pivot from a research-heavy mindset to a quality-driven one without losing your scientific curiosity.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) or embryonic stem cell (ESC) derived products.

  • Previous experience writing sections for IND or BLA submissions.

  • Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) software for assay optimization.

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $104,700 - 194,400.  Actual pay will be determined based 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.  This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

Roche

Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible. Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. Thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Roche has been recognised as the Group Leader in sustainability within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry ten years in a row by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). For more information, please visit https://careers.roche.com Read our community guidelines here: https://www.roche.com/some-guidelines.htm #Roche #Biotechnology #Pharmaceuticals #Diagnostics #Healthcare #PersonalisedHealthcare #GreatPlaceToWork #Innovation
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