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The Position
At Roche, we are working to make next-generation sequencing 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 next-generation sequencing, resulting in a sample in, result out workflow.
Our Systems Technology Group, a part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, is seeking a Principal II Scientist to lead our applied chemistry efforts. This is a hands-on role for a multidisciplinary expert focused on solving the core chemical challenges at the heart of our next-generation platforms. You will be responsible for inventing, developing, and integrating the novel chemical processes and formulations that ensure the ultimate performance, reliability, and longevity of our systems. In this role, you will lead early-stage R&D projects and collaborate closely with materials, mechanical, consumables, and integration engineers to develop robust solutions-from inventing novel surface modification strategies to formulating reagents that solve complex challenges like non-specific binding and carryover-bridging the gap between fundamental chemistry and applied systems engineering.
The Opportunity
Chemistry Innovation & Process Development
You will invent, screen, and validate novel chemical formulations and buffer additives to mitigate biofouling and the non-specific adsorption of sensitive molecules within complex fluidic systems.
You will pioneer and optimize novel chemistries and conjugation methodologies for the attachment of coatings, polymers and biomolecules to various surfaces, ensuring high efficiency, stability, and optimal density for downstream applications.
You will lead the development and validation of protocols for complex fluidic systems to eliminate carryover and ensure robust, reproducible performance over the lifetime of the system.
You will design and execute studies to determine optimal process conditions and chemical compatibility for on-instrument processes and chemical reactions.
You will drive root cause investigations of system-level contamination issues.
Assay Development & System Performance
You will develop novel characterization methods and assays to assess the performance of surface modifications, including the quantification of ligand density, binding capacity, and chemical stability.
You will develop and manage end-to-end analytical workflows for trace contaminant detection, including selection of instrumentation and collaboration with external labs.
You will utilize simulation tools and scripting to model chemical and fluidic workflows, predict system behavior, and accelerate the optimization of experimental protocols.
Workflow Implementation & System Troubleshooting
You will conduct hands-on experiments and activities on breadboards, custom fixtures, and early-stage proto@type systems, personally driving the optimization of chemical workflows on fluidic systems and related hardware.
You will troubleshoot complex, system-level performance issues where the root cause may be chemical in nature and will require a deep, first-principles approach to problem-solving that spans chemistry, materials, hardware and software.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategy
You will serve as the team's primary subject matter expert on applied chemistry, partnering closely with Materials, Consumables and Fluidics Engineers to select, test, and qualify new materials for chemical compatibility and performance, and develop scalable methods to bond similar and dissimilar materials, ensuring the long-term integrity of consumable devices.
You will collaborate with Systems, Mechanical, and Software Engineers to ensure seamless integration of chemical processes with the overall system architecture, defining requirements for fluidic control, thermal management, and automated protocol execution.
You will serve as a technical liaison between external analytical partners and internal R&D teams to ensure efficient outsourcing and high-quality data interpretation.
You will analyze complex data sets, author technical reports, generate intellectual property, and present findings and strategic recommendations to the team, the organization, and senior leadership.
Who You Are (Required):
You have a PhD in Chemistry or a closely related discipline with at least 7 years of relevant industry experience in a product development environment; OR a Master's degree in Chemistry with at least 9 years of relevant industry experience; OR a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry with at least 11 years of relevant industry experience.
You possess hands-on expertise in surface chemistry, bioconjugation techniques, and the chemical principles governing interactions at solid-liquid interfaces.
You have a demonstrated track record of developing and validating chemical processes or formulations on proto@types with complex fluidic or microfluidic systems within the life sciences, sequencing or diagnostics industries.
You have significant experience developing and implementing a wide variety of analytical assays to characterize chemical processes and quantify performance.
You are proficient in a wide range of analytical techniques and analysis tools for chemical and materials characterization.
You are an expert at troubleshooting complex integrated systems, with a proven ability to identify and resolve elusive issues that span chemistry, materials, hardware, and biology.
You have excellent organizational skills, with proven experience planning, prioritizing, and executing on multiple technical projects in a fast-paced, ambiguous R&D environment.
You have demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate complex chemical concepts in a clear and understandable manner to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
You have successfully demonstrated the ability to lead technical initiatives and mentor junior scientists and engineers.
Preferred:
You have direct experience with the chemistry of next-generation sequencing, solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis and multi-step enzymatic workflows.
You have direct experience with a range of surface characterization techniques.
You have direct experience with contamination analysis and mitigation strategies.
You have direct experience with methodologies such as Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process control (SPC).
You have a strong record of innovation, demonstrated by a portfolio of patents and/or publications in relevant fields.
You have demonstrated success managing external labs, developing service agreements, and ensuring data quality and cost-effectiveness of outsourced testing.
You are an action-oriented and decisive problem-solver, thriving in a fast-paced environment where you work with a sense of urgency and optimism.
You possess a deep scientific curiosity and an innate desire to learn, be challenged, and challenge the status quo.
This is an on-site position based in Santa Clara, CA. (This is not a hybrid position.)
Relocation benefits are not being offered for this role.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara, CA is $125,500 - $233,500. 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)
RSS2025
Who we are
A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100'000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.
Let's build a healthier future, together.
Roche 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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