Principal Surface Scientist

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 Roche.

At Roche, we are working to make Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) simple and accessible enough for routine use. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated, end-to-end solutions for NGS, resulting in a sample in/result out workflow.

We are seeking a talented scientist to join a team developing surface chemistries and protocols enabling NGS-based advanced applications and consumables. This position provides an exciting opportunity to work with outstanding scientists and engineers in a highly multidisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will have a broad background in surface science and device development. Strong hands-on skills in modifying surfaces with covalently bound or physically immobilized coatings and bioconjugation techniques are required.

This position also requires experience in surface characterization methods and the development of assays to assess the performance of surface modifications, as well as a deep understanding of chemical principles governing interactions at biomolecule-semiconductor interfaces. Experience with early stage instrumentation, data analysis techniques, and analytical characterization of reagents is highly desired.

• You will develop surface modifications and novel chemistries and protocols enabling consumables for NGS applications.

• You will drive the synthetic manipulation of material surfaces at a molecular level to precisely engineer surface energy characteristics and other properties that will ensure optimal device performance in a complex system.

• You will develop methods and assays for surface characterization using a diverse range of techniques to thoroughly understand surface composition, morphology and chemical properties, and to establish critical structure-property relationships.

• You will design and execute studies to determine optimal process conditions for surface modifications, including sequencing data collection and data analysis.

• You will develop methods for characterization of surface chemistry reagents and the incoming inspection protocol.

• You will analyze complex data sets, author technical reports, and present findings and strategic recommendations to the team and the organization.

• You will develop a scaled‑up surface functionalization process and work with Operations to transfer the process.

(Required)

• You have a PhD degree in Chemistry or a closely related field, with a strong focus on surface science and materials modification.

• You have 5 or more years of professional experience in a post‑doctoral or industrial environment, with a significant portion of that experience focused on the development of surface modifications for biomolecule analysis.

• You have a proven track record in development of bioconjugation strategies, modification of surface energy, and tailoring surface properties for demanding applications at the biomolecule‑device interface.

• You have demonstrated expertise in working with early stage instrumentation and devices.

• You have the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate findings into actionable insights, and are proficient in JMP and Python.

• You have excellent communication and presentation skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently with minimal direction.

• You seamlessly collaborate with colleagues and other parts of the organization.

• You have experience with NGS‑based applications and/or platform development, including an understanding of the critical surface requirements for optimal performance of consumables.

• You have a strong understanding of principles and challenges of surface…