Postdoctoral Fellow - Translational Medicine, Johnston Lab

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.

A postdoctoral research fellow position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Johnston within Translational Medicine Oncology  laboratory is dedicated to conducting translational research in lung cancer, focusing on mechanisms of response and resistance to treatment, patient biomarkers and subsets, and tumor-host interactions. We utilize a deep collection of patient samples and clinical data and state-of-the-art omics techniques and preclinical models to generate new insights into disease biology and emerging therapies.

• Lead an independent, end-to-end translational research program investigating immune fitness—the functional capacity of circulating immune cells—as a determinant and biomarker of response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in non‑small cell lung cancer.
• Leverage large, clinically annotated NSCLC trial cohorts and state-of-the-art omics technologies.
• Collaborate widely and cross‑functionally with colleagues at Genentech, including molecule development teams.
• Participate in Genentech’s postdoctoral training program, which offers outstanding training and mentorship, opportunities to present work internally and externally, career development support, and exposure to an environment focused on drug development and breakthrough discoveries.

• You have a Ph.D. in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Systems Biology, or a related field with a proven track record of high‑impact research accomplishments.
• You have advanced at least one project, evidenced by a first‑author paper published or accepted in a leading peer‑reviewed journal.
• You are a highly independent and driven scientist who enjoys working at the bench and the computer.
• You have a strong passion for scientific research.

• Knowledge and hands‑on experience in cancer immunology or related fields.
• Ability to learn, adapt, and apply computational tools as part of an experimental research program.
• Valuing careful experimental design, quantitative rigor, and clear biological interpretation.
• Effective communication and thriving in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

• Experience generating and analyzing single‑cell transcriptomic or multi‑omic data (e.g., scRNA‑seq, CITE‑seq, ATAC‑seq) is highly desirable.
• Experience investigating immune fitness and dysfunction using patient samples and/or preclinical models.
  
  Experience integrating experimental and clinical datasets to address translational questions.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, California is $100,000 to $106,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

Postdoc Program:
Elevate your research career to new heights with Genentech’s Postdoctoral Program! Join a prestigious community of early‑career scientists and kick‑start your journey toward becoming a scientific leader in biotechnology and bioengineering. With competitive salaries and fully funded research expenses, you can dedicate yourself to groundbreaking research that aligns with Genentech strategic ambitions. The program empowers recent Ph.D. graduates to conduct world‑class research, publish in top‑tier journals, and build a robust scientific network.

You will receive mentorship and support necessary to develop into an independent scientist and leader.

Genentech is an equal‑opportunity employer. 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, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

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