Scientist 3, Complex in Vitro Systems

Roche • South San Francisco, CA

1d

About The Position

We advance science so that we all have more time with the people we love. The Position: The Complex in Vitro Systems (CiS) Lab within the Department of Translational Safety is seeking a highly motivated Scientist 3 develop, characterize, and qualify advanced complex in vitro models to support Genentech’s mission of delivering safe and efficacious medicines. The CiS group partners closely with colleagues across Development Sciences, Translational Medicine, and Research to establish and implement innovative platforms that enable target assessment, lead optimization, and safety evaluation across a dynamic portfolio, novel modalities, and emerging therapeutic areas. In this lab-based role, you will provide scientific and technical expertise to support the development and implementation of human iPSC-derived ocular complex in vitro models (CIVM) including retinal organoids, for drug development. Responsibilities include culturing and characterizing state-of-the-art ocular CIVM models, designing and executing model qualification and characterization studies (e.g., advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and functional and phenotypic assays), analyzing and interpreting complex datasets; and maintaining rigorous, high-quality documentation. The Scientist will be expected to share scientific insights across functional teams, contribute to cross-disciplinary collaborations, and support internal and external publication efforts. This position is ideal for an experienced scientist passionate about advancing disease modeling and translational safety through innovative complex in vitro and stem cell based approaches. You will excel in a dynamic, collaborative research environment, demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills, and effectively communicate across scientific disciplines to contribute to the development of cutting-edge ocular disease models and help shape the future of ocular drug discovery and development. The Opportunity: Assisting in the development, qualification, and implementation of innovative in vitro ocular model systems (e.g., iPSC-derived retinal organoids, integrated iPSC-derived retinal organoid–retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) co-culture platform) to support disease modeling and ocular risk assessment. Designing and executing experiments to characterize retinal models, including evaluation of cell viability, morphology, photoreceptor health, and RPE barrier integrity and function, using techniques such as cytotoxicity assays, confocal and high-content imaging, transepithelial resistance/permeability assays, and transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams within and outside gRED to align ophtha complex model building with therapeutic strategies and program needs. Analyzing, interpreting, and clearly communicating study results to collaborators and stakeholders, and contributing to internal and external scientific presentations as appropriate. Maintaining comprehensive electronic documentation in accordance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contributing to study reports, safety assessments, and final deliverables.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Toxicology (or related fields) with 3+ years experience with hypothesis-driven research in industry or academia
• Experience culturing multiple retinal cell types, including iPSC-derived retinal organoids, RPE, photoreceptors, and relevant primary ocular cells.
• Proven expertise in developing, qualifying, and applying 3D ocular tissue models, retinal organoids, co-culture systems, and microphysiological or microfluidic platforms, to support drug discovery and translational research.
• Proficiency with quantitative and qualitative characterization techniques such as qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, proteomics, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, live-cell and time-lapse imaging, high-content imaging/screening, and analysis of data generated from these assays.
• Strong experimental design skills, with demonstrated ability in troubleshooting, method development, and protocol optimization for complex in vitro systems.
• A collaborative, team-oriented scientist who prioritizes shared objectives and communicates effectively across disciplines, with a strong work ethic grounded in scientific rigor, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with stem cell based systems and ophthalmology is a strong plus.
• Additional desirable skill sets include cell engineering, application of design of experiments (DOE) methodologies, and computational data analysis and/or programming.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in the development, qualification, and implementation of innovative in vitro ocular model systems (e.g., iPSC-derived retinal organoids, integrated iPSC-derived retinal organoid–retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) co-culture platform) to support disease modeling and ocular risk assessment.
• Designing and executing experiments to characterize retinal models, including evaluation of cell viability, morphology, photoreceptor health, and RPE barrier integrity and function, using techniques such as cytotoxicity assays, confocal and high-content imaging, transepithelial resistance/permeability assays, and transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.
• Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams within and outside gRED to align ophtha complex model building with therapeutic strategies and program needs.
• Analyzing, interpreting, and clearly communicating study results to collaborators and stakeholders, and contributing to internal and external scientific presentations as appropriate.
• Maintaining comprehensive electronic documentation in accordance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contributing to study reports, safety assessments, and final deliverables.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level