Lab Head, Senior Principal Scientist, Discovery Oncology

The Position

The Opportunity

The Department of Discovery Oncology at Genentech is seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Senior Principal Scientist, Lab Head with a strong background in oncology drug discovery. The ideal candidate will bring deep scientific expertise in targeting oncogenic signaling pathways, particularly KRAS, the MAPK pathway, or other key cancer-driving mechanisms, and will have a track record of impactful research in drug discovery, preferably in an industry setting.

This position will lead a research group focused on oncology target identification and validation, working collaboratively across functions to advance novel therapeutic strategies and pipeline programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Leadership: Lead and manage a high-performing team dedicated to the discovery and validation of novel drug targets in cancer, with a focus on oncogenic signaling such as KRAS and MAPK pathways.
• Oncology Drug Discovery: Design and execute strategies to identify druggable targets and advance them through the early discovery pipeline. Apply cutting-edge molecular and cell biology approaches to elucidate the role of oncogenic drivers in tumorigenesis.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, translational medicine, and in vivo biology to align on target biology and drug discovery objectives.
• Translational Science: Develop and utilize disease-relevant model systems (e.g., organoids, xenografts, engineered cell lines) to interrogate pathway dependency, resistance mechanisms, and therapeutic potential.
• Communication and Strategy: Contribute to scientific strategy, provide mentorship to team members, and foster a collaborative research environment that accelerates the translation of basic biology into therapeutic advances.

Who You Are

• Educational Background: Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Oncology, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience in oncology drug discovery.
• A strong track record of impactful publications and/or successful contributions to drug discovery programs.

Technical Expertise:

• Deep understanding of oncogenic signaling pathways such as KRAS, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, or related targets.
• Proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques relevant to target validation and mechanistic studies.
• Experience developing and using preclinical cancer models to support therapeutic hypothesis testing.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Proven leadership skills, including managing teams and collaborating in multidisciplinary environments.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to align scientific objectives across research and development functions.

Preferred

• Preferably experience working in a biotech or pharmaceutical industry setting.

If you're passionate about advancing cancer therapeutics through deep biological insights and translational science, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of oncology drug discovery at Genentech.

Relocation benefits are available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $168,600 to $313,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.