Principal Scientist, Structural Biology

The Department of Protein Sciences at Genentech seeks an exceptional structural biologist with a focus on protein dynamics to join its Structural Biology group. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in protein production and purification, structure determination of protein and protein-ligand complexes, and an expert in the use of computational and experimental techniques to characterize and understand protein dynamics and ligand binding. Our department offers a highly interdisciplinary environment for drug discovery and biomedical research, with state-of-the-art resources and unparalleled opportunities for scientific collaboration. We integrate macromolecular crystallography, cryoEM, and other methods to drive drug discovery and uncover fundamental biology. Our group designs constructs, purifies proteins, and analyzes their structures and molecular interactions. We collaborate with scientists throughout the Research and Drug Discovery organization to advance discovery of therapeutics.

As a Principal Scientist in Structural Biology, you will help drive drug discovery initiatives by uncovering the structural and dynamic mechanisms of therapeutic target proteins. Working in a highly interdisciplinary environment, you will integrate structural data, advanced computational modeling, and biophysical insights to enable the discovery of life-changing medicines. Lead structural biology strategy and execution within multi-disciplinary drug discovery project teams, offering 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. Utilize state-of-the-art computational tools alongside experimental data (cryoEM, HDX) to characterize the dynamics of biological macromolecules. Translate protein dynamics insights into actionable strategies for target assessment, protein construct and reagent design, hit finding, lead identification, lead optimization or other steps of drug discovery. Empower and mentor colleagues in applying computational tools and dynamics/ensemble methods to accelerate drug discovery projects. When appropriate, develop workflows, documentation or training materials.

You are a passionate, collaborative expert motivated by scientific excellence and a desire to deliver innovative solutions for patients worldwide. You thrive in cross-functional environments and lead through scientific influence, open dialogue, and mutual respect. You hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Computational Biology, or a related scientific discipline. You have a minimum of 3 years of relevant post-doctoral experience in industry, academia or a research organization An expert in molecular modeling techniques such as molecular dynamics simulation, structural ensemble modeling, ensemble docking and/or related techniques. You have demonstrated expertise in biomolecular structure determination via cryoEM or X-ray crystallography. You have a proven track record leveraging insights into protein or protein-ligand molecular dynamics to enable, accelerate, and/or improve target identification, pocket discovery, binder discovery, ligand optimization and/or other steps of drug discovery A collaborative leader who knows how to guide, inspire and motivate colleagues and teams based on scientific merit and mutual respect, rather than organizational hierarchy. Highly organized, with great attention to detail, strong communication and excellent interpersonal skills. Preferred:  You have experience executing or overseeing protein construct design and purification workflows for structural characterization and/or assay development You bring hands-on experience in ligand discovery or lead optimization projects within a multidisciplinary drug discovery