Group Leader, Automation & Cell Culture

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Genentech, a member of the Roche group and founder of the biotechnology industry, is dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. To solve the world's most complex health challenges, we ask bigger questions that challenge our industry and the boundaries of science to transform society.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Group Leader to lead our Automated Cell Culture team. The successful candidate will lead, manage, and develop a team of engineers, scientists and research associates focused on the automation of cell culture processes. This position, in the Cell Culture and Bioprocess Operations (CCBO) department and process development group, is responsible for the high throughput production of recombinant proteins using CHO and HEK293 cells. Primary responsibilities include developing, improving, operating, and troubleshooting automated cell culture processes to deliver diverse protein and cellular reagents to enable a large number of research programs. Close collaboration with fellow scientists in antibody engineering, protein engineering, molecular biology, structural biology, automation engineering, cell line development, cell culture, gene therapy and protein purification is required.

What You'll Do

Team Leadership: You will lead and mentor a team of scientists and engineers in the development and implementation of automated cell culture processes. Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to team members. Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Process Optimization: You will design, develop, and implement automated cell culture processes for CHO and HEK293 cells. Optimize bioreactor and liquid handling robot operations to improve efficiency, yield, reliability and reproducibility.

Project Management: You will be responsible for the planning, execution, and completion of cell culture automation projects, ensuring they meet technical and timeline requirements. Coordinate with internal and external collaborators to ensure project requirements are met. Monitor project progress and adjust plans as vital to meet objectives.

Technical Expertise: You will provide expert guidance on automated cell culture technologies, including bioreactors and automated liquid handling systems. Apply advanced data analytics to monitor and improve cell culture performance and outcomes. You will also identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with automated cell culture processes

Collaboration: You will work closely and effectively with multi-functional teams as well as prepare and present technical updates and research findings to senior management and key collaborators

Innovation and Continuous Improvement: You will stay abreast of the latest advancements in cell culture automation and implement best practices to keep the team at the forefront of the field. Find opportunities for process improvements and implement innovative solutions. Participate in conferences, workshops, and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills.

Who You Are

Education: You have a MS or PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience: You have a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in automated cell culture, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

Technical Skills: You are proficient in automated cell culture systems, bioinformatics, and related software tools.

Leadership: You have a proven track record in developing and optimizing automated cell culture systems for recombinant protein production.

Communication: You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to diverse audiences.

Problem-Solving: You have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Project Management: You have demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Interpersonal Skills: You possess strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Industry experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies.

• Experience with CHO and HEK293 cell lines.

• Experience with molecular biology, cell biology, cell line development, cell engineering, media development, recombinant protein purification and protein characterization.

Relocation benefits ARE available for this role.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $155,600 - $289,000. 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, and we embrace the increasingly diverse world around us. Genentech prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status and veteran status.