Principal Scientist/Senior Principal Scientist, Complex In Vitro Systems, Predictive Toxicology

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Who We Are:

A member of the Roche Group, Genentech has been at the forefront of the biotechnology industry for more than 45 years, developing novel medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. Genentech has multiple therapies on the market for cancer & other serious illnesses. Please take this opportunity to learn about Genentech where we believe that our employees are our most important asset & are dedicated to remaining a great place to work.

We are seeking a motivated scientist and leader for the Lung Modeling team within the Complex in vitro Systems (CiS) Laboratory. This role will be instrumental in designing, developing, and characterizing cutting-edge complex in vitro models (CIVM) of lung systems to support the broader Development Sciences, Research, and Translational Medicine departments at Genentech. The successful candidate will apply their expertise in multicellular 3D tissue systems, biomaterials, and bioengineering to create microphysiological models of lung segments to improve predictive assessments of drug safety and efficacy in the pulmonary space.

This leadership role will focus on establishing and deploying innovative, state-of-the-art lung models to support both discovery and preclinical development portfolios. This includes evaluating drug candidates for lung safety, understanding disposition, developing biomarkers, and assessing pharmacodynamic responses relevant to lung diseases. The Head of Lung Modeling will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for lung modeling within CiS, driving scientific innovation, fostering key collaborations, and mentoring junior scientists to build a high-performing team.

The Opportunity:

• Develop and implement the strategic roadmap for lung modeling within CiS, ensuring alignment with organizational drug discovery and development objectives.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing and motivated team of scientists who collectively design, develop, and characterize advanced lung in vitro models, such as airway and alveolar organoids, air-liquid interface 3D cultures, organ-on-chip, and other microphysiological systems, to address critical questions in lung drug discovery and development. Projects can span from modeling healthy and disease alveolar, small airway, and large airway with and without vascular or stromal components. 

• Provide scientific guidance, teach lab techniques, and ensure professional growth and career development for junior team members with care and commitment. 

• Act as a primary liaison between the CiS team and internal research teams, translational medicine, and drug discovery units at Genentech and Roche to maximize the impact of strategic lab activities across lung-focused projects.

• Facilitate and manage partnerships with external collaborators, including academic institutions, consortiums, and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to advance lung modeling capabilities.

• Share your research in the form of peer-reviewed papers and presentations in cross-functional forums, internal meetings, and external conferences to communicate platform capabilities, progress, and outcomes related to lung modeling.

Who You Are:

• Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, chemical engineering, or a related field, with significant experience in in vitro systems, specifically lung modeling. Exceptional candidates with equivalent experience will be considered.

• For Principal Scientist (5+ years) and for Senior Principal Scientist (9+ years) years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academia, or research organizations, with a strong focus on complex in vitro lung systems.

• Proven expertise in developing, qualifying, and applying 3D lung tissue models, organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS), or related platforms in a drug discovery or translational research setting.

• Toxicology experience is a plus, with a focus on leveraging CIVMs to elucidate mechanisms of toxicity and predict safety.

• Demonstrated scientific leadership, including leading projects, setting strategic direction, and potentially managing sm