Scientist III – Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering Full-time

The Opportunity

Genentech San Diego's Department of Genetic Medicine Technology is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist 3 to join our Nucleic Acids Payload Engineering team. This unique opportunity involves spearheading the advancement of our fully non-viral gene delivery platform. The ideal candidate is an exceptional molecular biologist with deep expertise in nucleic acid manipulation and chemical modification to improve DNA delivery in intracellular shuttling.

The core focus of this role will be the discovery and development of novel modalities to enhance nuclear delivery of DNA cargo, both ex vivo and in vivo, for our proprietary Super PiggyBac transposase-based gene insertion system. Experience with high-throughput screening and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) approaches is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will thrive in a highly cross-functional, matrixed environment, collaborating closely with the Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology and Non-viral Nanotechnology teams to conceive and test new hypotheses and drive the non-viral gene delivery platform forward.

Key responsibilities include:

• Scientific Creativity: Advancing our fully non-viral gene delivery platform from the bench, driving ideation and testing of new approaches for non-viral DNA delivery. A highly creative scientist with a strong track record of rapidly generating and testing innovative ideas will thrive in this position.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate closely with colleagues and internal experts across different teams in a highly cross-functional setting and ensure that data-driven insights are effectively translated into actionable drug discovery and clinical strategies.
• Translational Impact: Lead and execute high-quality, hypothesis-driven, and screening-based original research. Drive these projects to early feasibility and proof of concept decision points for potential integration into our in vivo gene and cell therapy pipelines, focusing on the treatment of rare blood disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Who You Are

• Educational Background: M.S. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry with 6+ years of industry experience or Ph.D. with 0-2 years of relevant experience in an academic or industry setting.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in DNA modification and manipulation to improve nuclear trafficking of transgene cargo This encompasses experience with biochemical, molecular, and/or cell biology approaches.
• Collaboration and Initiative: A highly collaborative spirit and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, coupled with exceptional creativity and a drive for innovation, and a proven ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Previous experience with chemically modified DNA and DNA shuttling for non-viral gene delivery systems is a must have.
• Extensive expertise in advanced molecular cloning and nucleic acid manipulation techniques (e.g. Gibson assembly, SDM, Golden Gate cloning, mammalian expression vector design, IVT etc.) required.
• Hands-on experience with functional molecular assays used for measuring success of transgene delivery/gene editing (e.g. via reporter assays, Western blot, qRT-PCR, ddPCR, or NGS).
• Experience with high-throughput, cell-based library screening and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is preferred.
• Proficiency in the culture and genetic manipulation of cell lines and primary cells, including hepatocytes, T cells and monocytes is preferred.
• Must be a strong communicator.

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of San Diego, CA is $89,900 – $166,900. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

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