Senior Scientist (Cell Line Development)

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

This role is an integral part of our Cell Culture and Bioprocess Operations (CCBO) team, which is dedicated to driving biotechnological advancements for therapeutic development. By driving digital transformation, computational modeling, and automation development in cell line development and cell culture process development workflows, you will accelerate the development of innovative therapies in Genentech’s pipeline. As a member of this team, you will collaborate closely with experts in Antibody Engineering, Cell Culture Process Development, Purification Development, and Analytical Development to deliver robust processes enhanced by cutting-edge AI/ML solutions. 

The Opportunity: 

As a Principal Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in creating high performing CHO cell lines that express therapeutic antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and complex biologics, driving forward Genentech’s clinical and commercial manufacturing processes. Additionally, you will:

• Advance Genentech’s automated CLD platforms using digitalization and modeling to enhance productivity and consistency.

• Utilize new and evolving AI/ML technologies to streamline process development and shorten end-to-end timelines.

• Analyze complex datasets to enhance process understanding and inform decision-making in CLD and process development.

• Identify and develop computational capabilities to maintain Genentech's leadership position in biopharmaceutical development.

• Execute cell line development projects from plasmid DNA construction and transfection through lead clone selection and cell banking.

• Provide scientific and technical leadership within the CLD and CCBO teams, collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices, preparing documentation for regulatory submissions as needed.

Who You Are:

• You possess a Master’s degree (5+ years) or PhD (2+ years) in Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or a related life sciences or engineering discipline

• You possess 4 or more years of relevant experience in mammalian cell line development, automation, and modeling.

• You have deployed impactful solutions to cell culture problems using novel AI/ML methods using platforms such as Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and/or Keras

• You have a deep knowledge of computational models, data science, database management, mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein expression, protein analytics, high-throughput screening techniques

• You possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, focusing on innovation and continuous improvement, and you pioneer new methods/technologies to radically simplify and improve processes

• You possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams

• You possess an understanding of regulatory requirements for biologics development and experience with filing regulatory documents

Preferred Experience:

• CLD Expertise: Proven track record of executing and leading successful CLD projects

• Experience with automated liquid handler programming

• Publications or patents in the field of cell line development and application of AI/ML technologies

• Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) environments

• Prior experience in biopharma 

Relocation benefits are approved for this posting.  

This is an on-site position; no remote options are available.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $120,800 (min) - $172,500 (mid) - $224,300 (max).  Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  A discretionary annual bonus