Senior Principal Scientist – Metabolomics, Cell Therapy Media Development

Roche

Senior Principal Scientist leading metabolomics research and media optimization for cell therapy development at Genentech. Collaborating across teams to develop and optimize cell culture media platforms.

Posted 7/6/2026full-timeSouth San Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $143,290 - $266,110 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead metabolomics research initiatives focused on developing and optimizing cell culture media for a diverse portfolio of cell therapy products
Provide scientific and strategic guidance to establish highly-productive platform processes while serving as the primary technical expert and thought leader in cell therapy media development
Designing and developing chemically-defined cell culture media platforms tailored to meet the unique needs of T cell therapies, stem cell therapies, and other cell-based products
Applying advanced metabolomics tools, computational methods, and -omics technologies to deeply understand cell metabolism and drive continuous improvement in cell culture performance
Leading technology transfer initiatives and collaborate with manufacturing operations to translate laboratory innovations into scalable, robust processes
Providing technical leadership and strategic guidance to process development teams, media preparation operations, and supply chain partners to resolve complex challenges and optimize raw material selection
Mentoring and developing scientific staff within the Cell Therapy Process Development group, fostering a culture of technical excellence, lean thinking, and continuous improvement
Interfacing effectively across multiple internal stakeholder groups (Analytical Development, Research, Manufacturing, Quality) and external collaborators to align priorities and drive impactful outcomes
Establishing thought leadership through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and participation in industry discussions on metabolomics and cell therapy manufacturing

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in biological sciences, chemical engineering, or related discipline with 5+ years of relevant research and development experience in metabolomics and/or cell culture media development
Proven track record of leading complex technical projects from conception to completion with strong organizational skills and scientific rigor; demonstrated ability to translate research insights into practical manufacturing solutions
Demonstrated success building, managing, and developing highly productive technical teams with an emphasis on creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration
Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional partners, customers, and collaborators; excellent skills in influencing, communication, and working effectively across organizational boundaries in complex matrixed environments
Established track record of excellent verbal and written communication demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to audiences at all levels.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation benefits are available for this position
A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Cell Therapy Product DevelopmentChemically-Defined Media DesignAdvanced Metabolomics ToolsComputational MethodsProcess DevelopmentTechnology TransferRaw Material OptimizationScientific RigorProject ManagementData Analysis

Soft Skills

Influencing SkillsCommunication SkillsOrganizational SkillsMentoringCollaboration