Principal Scientist II, Sequencing Workflow Automation Technologies

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections,  where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

At Roche, we are working to make next-generation sequencing simple and accessible enough for routine use. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing, resulting in a sample in, result out workflow.

Our Systems Technology Group, a part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, is focused on creating and advancing technologies to significantly enhance DNA sequencing workflows. We are seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist II, Sequencing Workflow Automation Technologies, to lead the research and early development of our next-generation sample preparation and sequencing platforms. This is a critical, hands-on leadership role for a scientist who is passionate about pioneering new technologies and can bridge the gaps between complex molecular biology, chemistry and cutting-edge instrumentation. As a prominent technical leader and multidisciplinary expert, you will oversee sub-system and platform development—transforming early-stage concepts into robust, fully integrated sequencing solutions.

The Opportunity

• You will serve as the team's primary subject matter expert in molecular biology, enzymology, assay development and sequencing.

• You will define requirements, invent, prototype, characterize and develop novel devices, systems and workflows for next-generation sequencing applications, with a strong focus on automation and miniaturization using microfluidics and other advanced technologies.

• You will lead the effort to port complex biological and chemical workflows onto early-stage instruments, breadboards, and fixtures with complex fluidic systems.

• You will design and execute rigorous experiments to optimize system and instrument performance and drive troubleshooting efforts for assay and workflow performance issues on-instrument, collaborating closely with hardware and software engineers. 

• You will analyze results and complex data sets, author technical reports, generate intellectual property, and communicate findings and progress to the team, the organization and senior leadership.

• You will identify and champion new technological opportunities, contributing to the strategic direction of the R&D organization.

• You will help build and lead a high-performing team, mentoring scientists and engineers, championing a systems-level approach to problem-solving and fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
   

This is an on-site position based in Santa Clara, CA.
Relocation benefits are not being offered for this role.

Who You Are:

(Required)

• You have a PhD in Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related discipline with 7+ years of relevant industry experience; OR a Master's degree with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; OR a Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

• You have demonstrated deep, hands-on expertise in molecular biology, particularly with NGS library prep, enzymology, and nucleic acid characterization.

• You have significant industry experience successfully implementing molecular biology assays or sequencing workflows on breadboards, fixtures or prototype instruments with complex fluidics or on highly integrated microfluidic devices. 

• You have demonstrated a strong ability to troubleshoot complex integrated systems, identifying and resolving issues that span molecular biology, chemistry, hardware, consumables and software.

• You have significant experience writing custom scripts for experimental hardware control, automation and data analysis.

• You have demonstrated a high degree of motivation, ingenuity, and resourcefulness to solve problems, invent new technology and develop cutting-edge pro