Senior Scientist, Analytical Development - Stem Cell & Metabolomics

Genentech’s Analytical Development & Quality Control (ADQC) team is expanding. As a core division within Genentech’s Pharma Technical Cell & Gene Therapy organization, we ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of cell therapies. ADQC develops, validates, and executes advanced physiochemical, immunochemical, and biological testing methods for clinical and commercial release.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Scientist to join our team. This unique role bridges the fields of metabolomics and stem cell biology. You will lead initiatives aimed at understanding the metabolic rewiring, mitochondrial dynamics, and energy homeostasis that govern stem cell pluripotency, differentiation, and disease modeling.

• Stem Cell Biology: Experience with cell culture including differentiation of human iPSCs/ESCs into specific lineages to study metabolic shifts in hPSC-derived cell therapy product manufacturing.
• Cell Bioenergetic Profiling: Design and execute real-time functional metabolic assays to measure oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR).
• Mitochondrial Characterization: Evaluate mitochondrial function, membrane potential, dynamics (fission/fusion), biogenesis, and ROS production in stem-cell-derived models.
• Metabolic Flux Analysis: Perform and analyze tracer-based experiments to map functional nutrient utilization (glucose, fatty acids, amino acids) during cell fate transitions in partnership with LC-MS specialists.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), and present functional metabolic data to cross-functional teams.

This role is based onsite in South San Francisco, CA. Relocation benefits are not offered for this position.

Requirements

• PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field; or a Master’s in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant academic/industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience working at the bench. This is a bench scientist position, with the majority of the time (75%+) active at the bench, executing experiments daily.
• Demonstrated level of biological domain expertise in the metabolism space. Deep understanding of cellular energetics, mitochondrial function, or metabolic flux assays.
• Demonstrated level of expertise in stem cell biology. Ability to culture, differentiate, and characterize iPSCs, MSCs, or primary cells.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• CMC Experience – a proven track record of developing assays within a CMC/regulatory framework (understanding phase-appropriate validation, ICH guidelines, etc.).
• High level of familiarity with flow cytometry, qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, and metabolic flux analyzers (e.g., Seahorse).
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate technical knowledge clearly, especially to non-experts.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to efficiently evaluate, prioritize, and handle multiple changing projects and priorities.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $104,700 – $194,400. 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.

Benefits

This position qualifies for the benefits detailed at Genentech’s benefits page.