R&D Scientific Infrastructure Strategy Lead

About the role

We advance science so that we all have more time with the people we love.

As a R&D Scientific Infrastructure Strategy Lead for Future Scientific Infrastructure, you will serve as a visionary bridge builder between next-generation science and state-of-the-art lab facility engineering. Genentech Research and Early Development is at a unique juncture in biotech history driven by AI and the evolution of autonomous workflows alongside bespoke bench science, you will architect the physical footprint for the gRED Center to enable our 'Lab-in-a-Loop' drug discovery ambitions over the next 50 years.

The Opportunity

• Drive "Lab-in-a-Loop" Vision: Translate AI-driven, automated lab workflows and Phenotype Space Profiles into physical space, embedding Computational Sciences directly within laboratory neighborhoods.
• Optimize Workflows & Shared Resources: Map and optimize scientific workflows of people, samples, waste, and materials while developing scalable, cost-efficient concepts for shared resources like cold storage and core equipment.
• Lead Change Management: Design and facilitate workshops to help users smoothly transition existing workflows into automated, shared laboratory environments.
• Manage Infrastructure & Utilities Matrix: Own and maintain the comprehensive Equipment List and Utilities Matrix, coordinating power, data, gases, waste, and environmental controls across the ecosystem.
• Future-Proof Lab Design: Specify bench-level utility placements that support both bespoke lab setups and evolving autonomous workflows with autonomous robotics, ensuring specific zones can be renovated without disrupting ongoing operations.
• Oversee Design Quality & Specialized Spaces: Conduct rigorous design reviews, resolve architectural/engineering redlines, and define precise requirements for specialized environments (e.g., CryoEM, NMR, reagent repository, proof-of-concept rooms).
• Execute Mockups & Operational Readiness: Plan physical mockups to validate design strategies, and support instrument relocation, installation verification, and user commissioning to ensure a fully operational facility on Day 1.

Who You Are

- 8+ Years of Experience: PhD, MD, or equivalent curriculum and will have significant lab research experience. Persons without a formal degree who have comparable depth and breadth of training and experience (gained at GNE or elsewhere), and who meet job-specific criteria, are eligible for consideration.

• Autonomous & Future-Facing Lab Design: Proven track record in laboratory planning and workflow design, with a demonstrated ability to challenge standard paradigms to pioneer future-facing, AI-driven autonomous workflows.
• Lab Planning: Technical understanding of lab casework, EHS considerations, and lab utilities fundamentals, paired with the ability to design for sensitive modern instrument infrastructure (for example: vibration, acoustics, EMI, and ergonomics).
• Strategic Drug Discovery Alignment: Deep foundational knowledge of the drug discovery workflow process, allowing for the successful navigation of complex, multi-year department and facility projects while ensuring the spatial vision evolves alongside gRED’s ambitions.
• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Independently conceives, initiates, and directs project teams through all development stages, effectively coordinating goals and seeking input from internal and external stakeholders (including GNE).
• Scientific Translation & Empathy: Acts as a critical bridge between research and execution by listening to scientific staff, translating their vision into granular technical requirements, and helping scientists adapt to new ways of working.
• Pragmatic & Detail-Oriented Execution: Balances high-level scientific ambition with strict cost and schedule realities, leveraging a meticulous eye for detail (where a missed outlet or wrong gas line can halt an experiment) to confidently lead mockup reviews and make decisive project calls.
• Stakeholder Influence & Inclusive Culture: Demonstrates independent scientific creativity while building trusted relationships across the organization—fostering inclusion, helping teams prioritize/simplify workloads, and effectively presenting progress to senior management.

• Onsite presence on our South San Francisco campus is expected for at least 3 days a week.
• Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.

Pay and benefits

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $156,500 - $290,700. 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

• #LI-JD1
• If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.