Postdoctoral Fellow - Cell Line Development, Lu & Ng Labs

Overview

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available for a creative, enthusiastic, and highly motivated cell culture and molecular biologist to join the Cell Line Development (CLD) group within the Cell Culture and Bioprocess Operations (CCBO) department  role focuses on developing a HEK
293 “Super‑Host” platform for recombinant Adeno‑Associated Virus (rAAV) production, aiming to improve rAAV yields and quality by overcoming biological bottlenecks of producer cells.

• Develop and execute advanced molecular and genetic engineering approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9, transposon‑mediated systems, and multi‑omics platforms, to identify and eliminate cellular bottlenecks in HEK
  293 cells.
• Systematically modify the HEK
  293 host to tolerate intensive viral replication and generate cell lines that achieve higher rAAV titers and quality.
• Collaborate with researchers across gRED, pRED, PTCG, and PTD to integrate findings into the drug development pipeline.
• Present research progress to project teams and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.
• Gain exposure to large‑scale manufacturing challenges and contribute to cost‑of‑goods reduction efforts for gene therapies.

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, virology, biotechnology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• At least one independent research project evidenced by a first‑author paper published or accepted in a leading peer‑reviewed journal.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated team‑collaboration ethic.

• Relevant mammalian cell culture experience, specifically with HEK
  293 cells.
• Hands‑on experience with stable cell line generation.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as vector design, cloning, and CRISPR/Cas9 or other genetic engineering systems.
• Experience with systems biology technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Experience in rAAV production, purification, and characterization (full‑to‑empty ratio measurement, mass photometry, potency assay, long‑read sequencing).

Salary range: $100,000 to $106,500 (based on California location). Pay will be determined by experience, qualifications, and location. The position includes relocation benefits and eligibility for all standard Genentech benefits, including health insurance, retirement, and professional development support.
Postdoc Program:
The fellowship is part of Genentech’s Postdoctoral Training Program, providing fully funded research expenses and mentorship to advance careers in biotechnology.

Genentech is an equal‑opportunity employer. The company’s policy prohibits unlawful discrimination and ensures fair treatment for all employees and applicants on the basis of merit. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in the application process, please contact us by completing the Accommodations for Applicants form.