Senior Director, Nanotechnology

The newly formed Genetic Medicine Technology group in gRED (Genentech Research and Early Development) is redefining the future of cell and gene therapies. Our proprietary non-viral gene delivery and gene editing platforms, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), piggyBac and Cas-CLOVER, enable the development of next-generation CAR-T therapies with the potential to cure cancer and genetic diseases.

We are seeking a highly motivated leader with a strong technical background in nanoparticle and LNP-mediated nucleic acids drug delivery. This person will join a dynamic and talented research team advancing non-viral therapies. This individual will direct efforts in developing novel non-viral drug delivery vehicles by overseeing the nanoparticle/nanotechnology function, working closely with the head of GMT. This individual will collaborate directly with immunology, bioanalytical, molecular biology, and pharmacology functions at Genentech San Diego to advance both platform and pipeline programs. This individual will also collaborate broadly with Genentech San Francisco and Roche research and innovation sites. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise with LNPs and chemistry, with additional expertise in pre-clinical models, xenographs, and T cell biology/manipulation.

The Opportunity:

• Lead all research efforts for nanoparticle formulation, analytical characterization, and primary functional evaluation.
• Discover and optimize applications of novel lipids from diverse structural families for LNP-mediated delivery of nucleic acid payloads.
• Co-lead screening efforts, in vitro and in vivo, working closely with molecular and in vivo pharmacology groups, to identify novel LNP formulations for optimal tissue/cell delivery.
• Collaborate with diverse groups across the organization, including those representing cell therapy, vector engineering, pharmacology, translational biology, immuno-oncology, CMC, process development, and small molecule subject matter experts.
• Study fundamental mechanisms of action including LNP circulation, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and specific behaviors unique to a particular payload class.
• Lead efforts to advance platform development for an in vivo therapeutic application of an LNP modality from concept through clinical validation.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, prepare clear reports, and present findings in internal program meetings, cross-functional reviews, and governance forums.
• Lead and contribute to external publications, conference abstracts, and patent filings relevant to LNP development for autoimmune, neurology, and oncology indications.

Who you are:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, engineering, bioengineering, nanotechnology, material science or a related field with 15+ years of relevant industry and academic experience. A strong background in DNA delivery is a plus.
• Experience working with T cells is required.
• Experience successfully advancing a candidate to IND-enabling studies is required.
• Proven expertise in nanoparticle science, especially LNP delivery systems and non-viral gene transfer/delivery.
• Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with design of experiments statistical analyses for process optimization, using software such as JMP statistical tools,
• Familiarity with nucleic acids chemistry and molecular biology is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

The Senior Director, Nanotechnology Pay Rate: $185,300 to $344,100 annually

The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type, and length of experience with the industry, education, geographic location, etc.

Who We Are:

Poseida Therapeutics was acquired by Roche in early 2025 and is now part of the Roche Group. Poseida is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing differentiated allogeneic cell therapies and genetic medicines with the capacity to cure. The Company's approach is based on its proprietary genetic editing platforms, including its non-viral DNA Delivery System, Cas-CLOVER Site-Specific Gene Editing System, Booster Molecule and nanoparticle gene delivery technologies, as well as in-house GMP cell therapy manufacturing.

Our people are as important as our cutting-edge technology. That's why we invest in offering excellent career development opportunities to our employees, as well as highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. We are committed to giving employees the resources they need to thrive, personally and professionally.

Within the Roche organization, 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.