Principal Scientist / Lab Head - Metabolism Drug Discovery

2w2 weeks ago

Genentech

South San Francisco, US · Full-time · $143,200 – $265,900

About this role

The Metabolism Drug Discovery Unit (M-DDU) within Genentech Research and Early Development seeks a Principal Scientist, Lab Head. This role leads groundbreaking efforts in metabolic disease research, contributing to the early stage cardiometabolic pipeline including obesity and comorbidities. Drive target identification through clinical candidate advancement while expanding disease-area biology.

Build and manage a lab team of approximately 2 direct reports focused on metabolic disease biology, target discovery, and drug pharmacology. Conduct hands-on experimental biology at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Apply expertise in metabolism pathways, appetite regulation, energy homeostasis, and nutrient flux dysregulation.

Work alongside world-class scientists, computational biologists, therapeutic engineers, and clinicians across Genentech/Roche. Report to a Group Leader/Distinguished Scientist in M-DDU. Implement and shape the target and drug discovery portfolio in cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disease.

Serve as biology lead in preclinical programs, guiding novel therapeutics for cardiometabolic diseases. Partner with Drug Development, Translational Medicine, and Computational Science teams. Communicate findings, author IND reports, publish discoveries, and foster a high-performance team culture.

Requirements

Lab focused and biology driven with hands-on experimental biology expertise
Deep knowledge of biological pathways in metabolism, appetite regulation, energy homeostasis, nutrient flux and disease dysregulation
Proficiency in designing, running and interpreting experiments at molecular, cellular and organismal levels
Experience establishing experimental models for metabolic disease including screening and human-relevant models
Practical understanding of drug discovery optimization, screening cascades and go/no-go biology experiments
Ability to drive biology strategy in preclinical cardiometabolic drug discovery programs
Strong interdisciplinary collaboration across research, development and clinical functions
Track record of communicating complex findings, authoring regulatory documents and publishing discoveries

Responsibilities

Build and manage a team of approximately 2 direct reports of expert experimental biologists focused on metabolic disease biology, target and drug discovery
Conduct experimental biology with team in support of disease biology, target discovery and validation
Design, run and interpret experiments at the molecular, cellular and organismal level using expertise in metabolism pathways, appetite regulation, energy homeostasis and nutrient flux
Establish and leverage experimental models of disease, including genetic or drug screening to complex human-relevant models
Serve as biology lead in preclinical metabolism drug discovery programs for cardiometabolic diseases including obesity
Partner closely with internal teams across Drug Development, Translational Medicine, Computational and Clinical Science
Communicate findings to internal meetings and governance boards, author IND reports, and publish scientific discoveries
Manage day-to-day lab operations, ensure ELN compliance, and oversee external collaborations