Principal Scientist, Structural Biology

About the role

The Department of Protein Sciences at Genentech is looking for a Principal Scientist in Structural Biology focused on protein dynamics. The role leads structural biology strategy and execution within multi-disciplinary drug discovery teams, integrating structural data, computational modeling and biophysical insights to support the discovery of medicines. It is an office- and lab-based position in South San Francisco, CA, eligible for relocation assistance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead structural biology strategy and execution in drug discovery project teams, delivering actionable structural insights.
• Oversee protein construct design, expression, purification and high-resolution structure determination using cryoEM and/or X-ray crystallography.
• Solve and analyze structures of target protein complexes bound by small molecules, peptides, antibodies or other therapeutic formats.
• Use computational tools together with experimental data (cryoEM, HDX) to characterize the dynamics of biological macromolecules.
• Translate protein dynamics insights into strategies for target assessment, construct and reagent design, hit finding, lead identification and lead optimization.
• Mentor colleagues in applying computational tools and dynamics/ensemble methods; develop workflows, documentation or training materials when appropriate.

Required profile

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Computational Biology or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of relevant post-doctoral experience in industry, academia or a research organization.
• Proven track record of using protein or protein-ligand dynamics insights to improve target identification, pocket discovery, binder discovery, ligand optimization and other drug discovery steps.
• Collaborative leader who guides and motivates colleagues through scientific merit and mutual respect.
• Highly organized, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Required skills

• Expertise in molecular modeling: molecular dynamics simulation, structural ensemble modeling, ensemble docking and related techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in biomolecular structure determination by cryoEM or X-ray crystallography.
• Preferred: experience with protein construct design and purification workflows, ligand discovery or lead optimization, virtual docking, free energy perturbation (FEP), protein language models, machine learning for protein design, or computational or laboratory automation.

What we offer

• Salary range of $150,700 to $279,900 USD per year, depending on experience, qualifications and location; actual pay set by the employer.
• A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.
• Relocation assistance eligibility.