Strategy Liaison, Complex in vitro Systems (CiS) Group

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The NAM Strategy Liaison for the Complex in vitro Systems (CiS) function will help refine and grow the strategic impact for our cutting-edge research dedicated to advancing in vitro methodologies in drug discovery and development. This position will play a key role in elevating the lab's impact by driving innovative processes, fostering collaboration, and aligning the lab's capabilities with the broader organizational strategy. The ideal candidate has an extensive external network and is intimately familiar with 3D tissue models including organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS), organs-on-chip, and other advanced in vitro platforms and how they can be used to improve translational insights in drug development.

Health authorities are signaling a shift towards New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in drug development through supporting their accelerated qualification and adoption (i.e. FDA Roadmap, 2025). NAMs comprise in vitro, in silico, and in chemo approaches that can be used in drug discovery or development to increase the clinical translatability of a molecule and potentially reduce animal testing in the process. The Strategic Liaison will be at the forefront of this effort at Genentech in a pioneering role within our team, demanding a blend of strategic foresight and exemplary project execution. This role will be instrumental in bridging scientific innovation with our overarching organizational objectives.

Key opportunities in this role include:

• Join a team of leading scientists driving momentum in NAMs-collaborating internally to transform drug development and externally with health authorities, pharma, and global industries

• Deepen your expertise in this space by partnering with top-notch scientists who are actively developing in vitro NAMs coupled with complementary computational approaches that are poised to expand company-wide capabilities

• Shape the path for identifying NAM opportunities with key stakeholders, driving implementation and measuring impact

• Drive external presence and influence by leading and contributing to working groups in domestic/international consortia on NAMs

• Highlight advancements of NAM science and NAM policy via peer-reviewed publications and other forms of media.

The Opportunity:

As a member of the the Complex in vitro Systems (CiS) team, you will:

• Strategic Planning, Vision, and Leadership- Refine and implement the strategic roadmap for CiS, aligning with organizational drug discovery and development objectives.Play a key role in developing and driving an implementation strategy for measuring, implementing, and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs) of complex in vitro models broadly across Roche and Genentech with involvement of all relevant stakeholders.Partner with predictive toxicology (pTox) functional leads and therapeutic area leads to identify how CiS platforms can address unmet needs across therapeutic areas.In collaboration with the wider team and considering key stakeholder inputs, provide strategic advice on the design, qualification, and deployment of 3D tissue models, organoids, microfluidic systems, and other in vitro approaches to support drug development

• Cross-functional Collaboration- Act as a liaison between the CiS Lab and internal research teams, translational medicine, and drug discovery units to maximize the impact of strategic lab activities across projects. Facilitate partnerships with external collaborators, including academic institutions, consortiums, CROs, and regulatory agencies. Represent CiS in cross-functional forums to communicate platform capabilities, progress, and outcomes.

• Operational Excellence- Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and scalability of CiS workflows.Work with the lab manager to ensure that the allocation of resources, including financial, technological, and outside spend will ensure efficient lab operation and the best facilitation of high priority initiatives.Manage timelines and risk mitigation strategies for prioritized cross-functional, long term projects.

• Team Development and Advocacy- Collaborate with the head and functional leads of the CiS Lab on talent acquisition, development, and mentoring to build a high-performing, motivated team of scientists.Advocate and champion for CiS functions across external forums, driving opportunities for external visibility and growth for lab members.Represent CiS in external and internal forums, including scientific conferences and consortia, to promote its work and secure key partnerships.Mentor junior team members as needed and champion their professional growth and career development, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and empowerment.

Who You Are:

• Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, or a related field with significant experience in in vitro systems; exceptional candidates with equivalent experience will be considered.

• 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or research organizations, with a focus on complex in vitro systems.

• Proven experience in developing, qualifying, and applying 3D tissue models, organoids, MPS, or related platforms in a drug discovery or translational research setting.

• Large external network and presence in the complex in vitro modeling space with a focus either on deep scientific contributions or interactions with health authorities

• Prior strategy-focused or a program management role is desirable, with demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of scientific publications and contribution to the scientific community in areas related to complex in vitro systems.

• Experience working in or partnering with regulatory agencies on in vitro approaches.

• Familiarity with emerging trends and technologies in organ-on-chip, microfluidics, and other advanced modeling approaches.

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $181,900-$337,900 of hiring range. 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.

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