Scientist 3, CVRM Discovery Research Biology

The Opportunity

The Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM) Research Biology group within Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED) is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Scientist 3 to advance our extra-hepatic, cell- and tissue-selective drug delivery platforms. In this laboratory-based role, you will lead the biological discovery and validation of novel cell-surface receptors to enable targeted delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics (such as siRNAs and ASOs). Working in close cross-functional partnership with therapeutic discovery, vector design, proteomics, and disease biology teams, you will directly shape next-generation delivery strategies for CVRM indications.

• Develop and execute an overarching biological strategy to identify, prioritize, and validate cell-surface receptors capable of mediating selective nucleic acid delivery to CVRM-relevant tissues.
• Establish, culture, and characterize physiologically relevant in vitro and ex vivo cellular systems (including striated muscle) for targeted-delivery evaluation.
• Design and implement quantitative mechanistic assays to assess ligand-receptor binding, occupancy, internalization kinetics, intracellular trafficking, and endosomal escape.
• Evaluate novel targeting ligands and bioconjugates (such as antibody- or peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates) for functional cargo delivery, downstream pharmacodynamics, and target gene modulation.
• Apply genetic and molecular perturbation tools, including CRISPR and RNAi, alongside biochemical methods to establish definitive receptor dependency and mechanism of action.
• Design and execute preclinical in vivo biodistribution and proof-of-concept pharmacology studies to demonstrate disease-modifying therapeutic potential.
• Communicate experimental conclusions and strategic delivery milestones across cross-functional matrix teams and drug discovery committees.

Who You Are

• Hold a PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline (or a Master's degree with 6+ years / Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of equivalent relevant industry research experience).
• Possess deep mechanistic expertise in cell-surface receptor biology, membrane proteins, receptor-mediated endocytosis, and intracellular vesicle trafficking pathways.
• Demonstrate proven hands-on capability in mammalian cell culture (primary cells, stem-cell-derived lineages, or ex vivo tissues) and quantitative cell-based assay development.
• Experience with specialized CVRM cellular systems including cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelium, adipose tissue, or skeletal muscle.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in molecular biology techniques (CRISPR, RNAi, qRT-PCR/digital PCR, RNAseq, Western blotting, or immunoassays) and cellular analysis tools (flow cytometry or high-content imaging).
• Possess a documented record of scientific achievement through peer-reviewed publications, patents, or recognized contributions to drug discovery pipelines, complemented by outstanding collaborative and communication skills.

Preferred

• PhD strongly preferred.
• Direct experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics (siRNA, ASO) and targeted conjugate platforms (e.g., antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, peptide/ligand conjugates).
• Deep understanding of mechanisms governing endosomal escape and productive intracellular bioavailability.
• Hands-on familiarity with cell-surface proteomics ("surfaceomics"), spatial transcriptomics, or single-cell RNA sequencing for target receptor discovery.
• Practical expertise with quantitative live-cell confocal imaging, high-content imaging platforms, and automated image analysis.
• Experience with preclinical in vivo biodistribution, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies, and tissue pharmacodynamic profiling.

Location

This is a laboratory-based position at our South San Francisco, CA campus, and onsite presence (5 days per week) is required.