
Technical Development Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry Characterization Lead
South San Francisco, CAJob$121–224K/yrSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today
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At a glance
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Job overview
Genentech seeks a Principal Scientist to lead mass spectrometry characterization strategy and execution for biologic therapeutics from early development through commercial launch. The role combines hands-on laboratory work with strategic leadership, including complex LC-MS analyses, method development, quality-attribute characterization, regulatory submissions, and cross-functional collaboration. The scientist will also mentor team members and support process development milestones.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
The Position
A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech!
Join our global Analytical Development and Quality Control team as a Technical Development Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry Characterization Lead , driving analytical strategies that transform cutting-edge biologic therapeutics from early development to commercialization. In this role, you will bridge strategic leadership with hands-on laboratory expertise within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to delivering life-changing medicines. You will lead mass spectrometry characterization, solve complex analytical challenges, and guide cross-functional teams with scientific excellence and impact.
The Opportunity
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Lead the mass spectrometry (MS) characterization strategy and execution across all stages of biologic therapeutic development, from early development through to commercial launch.
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Design, execute, and interpret complex liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses to establish deep structural understanding of protein modalities and resolve technical root causes.
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Develop and implement phase-appropriate MS methods and advanced multi-attribute method (MAM) strategies where standard analytical assays fall short.
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Identify, monitor, and quantify critical quality attributes (CQAs) and post-translational modifications (PTMs) to ensure reliable analytical control.
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Support process development milestones, including cell line selection, purification, formulation, stability, minor variant characterization, and structure-function elucidation.
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Author filing-ready MS characterization sections for global regulatory submissions (IND, BLA, and MAA) and represent technical packages in regulatory interactions.
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Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, analytical leads, and external research/manufacturing partners to achieve project delivery milestones.
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Mentor scientific team members in MS data interpretation and champion modern analytical capabilities and best practices.
Who you are
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You hold a Ph.D. with 4–6+ years of relevant experience, or an M.S./B.S. with 6–10+ years of experience in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
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You bring deep analytical expertise in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) applied to the characterization of proteins or related therapeutic modalities.
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You possess strong working knowledge of chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) drug development and regulatory filing processes (IND/BLA).
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You demonstrate excellent collaborative, organizational, and communication skills, thriving both as an independent lead and as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.
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You are an agile problem-solver motivated by scientific curiosity, technical quality, and delivering meaningful results in a fast-paced environment.
Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $120,800 - $224,300. 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 (https://roche.ehr.com/default.ashx?CLASSNAME=splash)
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 (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZWlsbfQOvFVIQgHE\_iDzWUTlhZvj6FytIzjS7xq6IGh1H5g/viewform) .
How this job compares
Set against the 2,108 open Scientist jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 7, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$121–224K/yr
- California median$124–174K/yr262 salary ranges
- US median$105–160K/yr1,078 salary ranges
This range's midpoint, $173K, is 15% above the California median midpoint ($150K) — in the middle half of Scientist salary ranges in California.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 431 open Scientist jobs in California and 2,108 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in California
- Genentech (this employer)30 open
- Amgen26 open
- Gilead Sciences, Inc.23 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 6 years of experience; Scientist postings that state a minimum ask for 3 years at the median (1,541 postings).
- Education
- 1,028 of the 2,108 open Scientist jobs (49%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 7, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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