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Principal Scientist, Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology

Roche

South San Francisco, CAOnsitePosted 1 day ago
Full TimeSenior LevelResearch & ScientistPharmaceutical
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Summary

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology Department. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic, highly collaborative team driving the discovery and characterization of innovative therapeutic drug candidates that could transform patient outcomes.

Job description

Operating at the intersection of cutting-edge science and drug development, you will play a crucial role in selecting and evaluating different modalities of therapeutic candidates from early-stage research to final IND candidate selection. In this role, you will apply your deep expertise in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology to establish screening assay cascades and dissect complex receptor mechanisms of action to inform target candidate profiles. You will lead and contribute to the development, optimization, and execution of sophisticated molecular pharmacology assays, acting as a primary subject matter expert on project teams and shaping program directions.

The Opportunity

  • Provide Strategic Leadership: Serve as the primary GPCR expert and strategic advocate for Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology on multidisciplinary project teams, contributing both at the bench and at leadership levels to drive decision-making.
  • Drive Pharmacological Characterization: Oversee and contribute to rigorous in vitro pharmacological characterization to advance lead candidates in the cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.
  • Design and Implement Complex Assays: Lead the development, optimization, and execution of advanced molecular pharmacology assays—focusing heavily on protein-protein interactions, secondary messengers, and biosensors—to interrogate complex GPCR mechanisms of action in transfected and primary cells.
  • Collaborate and Mentor: Work within multidisciplinary teams and provide direct scientific mentorship and strategic guidance to Scientist partners to execute complex experiments, streamline workflows, and ensure robust data analysis.
  • Pioneer Technology: Demonstrate scientific curiosity by maintaining deep domain expertise and continually evaluating, adopting, and leveraging rapidly advancing technologies to evolve our pharmacological capabilities and advance next-generation therapeutics.
  • Communicate Findings: Conduct comprehensive data analysis using advanced computational tools, and present high-quality scientific findings and strategic directions to internal stakeholders, project teams, and senior leadership.

Who You Are

  • Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 4–12 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in receptor theory, signal transduction pathways, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling, along with hands-on experience across diverse GPCR assay platforms (e.g., cAMP, calcium flux, BRET/FRET, Beta-arrestin recruitment).
  • Expertise in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields.
  • Passionate about dissecting complex receptor pharmacology and translating its functional impact into disease-relevant biological readouts using advanced model systems.
  • Experience working with a wide range of primary cells and gene-editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR).
  • Proven track record in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical and cell-based assay cascades in primary and recombinant systems.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a passion for guiding junior scientists and contributing effectively to cross-functional teams (e.g., Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Protein Sciences…).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of delivering impactful scientific presentations to project teams and executive leadership.
  • Ability to multi-task, display a strong problem-solving mindset and drive projects forward with a strong, self-driven work ethic in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline
  • 4–12 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience
  • Expertise in receptor theory, signal transduction pathways, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling
  • Hands-on experience across diverse GPCR assay platforms (e.g., cAMP, calcium flux, BRET/FRET, Beta-arrestin recruitment)
  • Expertise in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic disease fields
  • Experience working with a wide range of primary cells and gene-editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR)
  • Proven track record in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biochemical and cell-based assay cascades in primary and recombinant systems
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task and strong problem-solving mindset

Company overview

Roche is a Swiss multinational healthcare company and a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, founded in 1896 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. As the world's largest biotech company and the fifth-largest pharmaceutical company by revenue, Roche operates through two primary divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. The company is renowned for its leadership in personalized healthcare, combining strengths in both drug development and diagnostic testing to deliver tailored treatments for patients. Roche maintains a strong focus on oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and central nervous system disorders, with a portfolio that includes over 30 medicines on the World Health Organization's Model Lists of Essential Medicines. The company owns significant subsidiaries including Genentech, Chugai Pharmaceuticals, Ventana Medical Systems, and Foundation Medicine. With approximately 103,000 employees worldwide and operations in over 100 countries, Roche has established itself as a leader in cancer treatments globally while maintaining a robust pipeline of innovative therapies and diagnostic solutions. The company's commitment to sustainability has been recognized through ten consecutive years as Group Leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry.

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