Roche

Technical Development Principal Scientist - Bioconjugation

South San Francisco Full time

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 Roche!

As part of Pharma Technical Development (PTD) our organization is committed to deliver the Pharma ambitions by bringing game-changing therapies from clinical phase I into the market to serve every patient, every day.  Our core business is to develop safe, innovative and effective drugs using cutting edge technologies for manufacturing process (Drug Substance and Drug Product), clinical supply, formulation, device, packaging, and analytical development. 


Together with our partners, Global Biologics Bioprocess Development develops robust, efficient, and sustainable bioprocesses including Cell Line & Media Development, Cell Culture & Fermentation, and Purification Development.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished bio-conjugation scientist to join our team within Purification Development. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the development and scale-up of conjugation processes for Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and other innovative bioconjugates platforms.

As a subject matter expert in multiple conjugation chemistries, you will play a pivotal role, working collaboratively with cross-functional CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) teams, research and manufacturing partners. Your expertise will be instrumental in the development, validation, and manufacturing of clinical and commercial bioconjugate pharmaceuticals that can transform patient lives.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Bioconjugation Process Development: Define strategy and lead the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of experiments to develop scalable, manufacturable bioconjugation processes and subsequent purification workflows.

  • Drive Innovation: Apply innovative thinking and deep understanding of conjugation and chemistry/biochemistry expertise to establish novel methodologies for the manufacturing and characterization of bioconjugate pharmaceuticals.

  • Lead as a Subject Matter Expert: Serve as a departmental expert in conjugation chemistry and other related organic and biochemistry topics to provide technical expertise to guide decision making during drug development

  • Communicate Scientific Advancements: Effectively present data at internal scientific and governance forums and external conferences

  • Author Critical Documentation: Author technical reports, experimental protocols, validation reports, and key sections in regulatory filings

  • Collaboration: Work closely with Technical Development Teams to develop and manufacture bioconjugates. Represent the organization in cross-functional meetings with internal Research and Manufacturing groups and with external partners and CMOs. 

Who you are

Required Experience

  • Education: B.S./M.S. with 10+ years of relevant experience, or a Ph.D with 5+ years of relevant experience. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a closely related field.

  • Industry Experience: Relevant experience within large or small molecule CMC organizations (analytical, purification, or related) in the healthcare, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry

  • Conjugation Expertise:Extensive hands-on experience with chemical and enzymatic conjugation chemistries, including small-molecule linker–payload systems and other conjugatable payloads. Skilled in diverse linker–drug conjugation and cleavage mechanisms, with a track record of translating small-scale bioconjugation techniques into scalable, manufacturing-ready processes.

  • Bioconjugate Characterization: Strong technical proficiency in bioconjugate characterization using LC-MS, along with experience in key analytical techniques such as SEC, HIC, and RP-LC.

  • Regulatory Filings: Experience with authoring regulatory-facing documents

Preferred Experience

  • Experience and understanding of protein purification and characterization methods

  • Experience with process validation

Candidate Skills

  • Strong work ethic, must be self-motivated, flexible, able to multitask, and meet timelines efficiently and productively

  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

  • Strong use of critical thinking to design, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments

  • Ability to translate scientific literature in practical solutions

  • Ability to  lead teams to achieve goals and represent the department in cross-functional project teams. Expected to provide significant data and technical insights to project teams.

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $120,800 to $224,300. 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.