(Senior) Principal Scientist, Oncology Discovery

Roche fosters diversity, equity and inclusion, representing the communities we serve. When dealing with healthcare on a global scale, diversity is an essential ingredient to success. We believe that inclusion is key to understanding people’s varied healthcare needs. Together, we embrace individuality and share a passion for exceptional care. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

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 Roche.

This position is located within our Discovery Research Units within the Oncology Discovery organization dedicated to the discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutics. We collaborate closely with functions in Therapeutic Modalities, Pharmaceutical Science as well as within the oncology therapeutic area to translate hypotheses into innovative Therapeutics.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Scientist in Discovery Oncology, you will collaborate with a team of scientists and associates, mentoring students and postdocs. Your role involves preclinical research to advance cancer cell biology and immunotherapy programs. You will translate basic research into therapeutic strategies, understand target mechanisms, develop patient stratification, and identify drug combinations for clinical use. Additionally, you will design and coordinate the preclinical in vivo pharmacology strategy for portfolio projects, in close collaboration and alignment with the Translational Pharmacology Research Unit.

• Lead internal target identification initiatives and exploratory activities, from initial ideation to nomination of the program and proactively seek out future horizon opportunities and be passionate about the co-creation of new areas of focus.

• Lead internal and external global cross-functional portfolio projects of high strategic impact, show resource awareness, coordinate cross-functional efforts to meet long-term project objectives as a matrix leader.

• Design, execute and analyze/interpret experimental strategies and present research results and methodologies at regular meetings with teams, key stakeholders and/or interact regularly with project leaders, project teams and other research forums. Work collaboratively with scientists and associates across oncology discovery research units to integrate complex data sets including high dimensional ‘omic’ data in pre-clinical settings for target validation and increased understanding of target biology and MoA of therapeutic compounds.

• Drive resolution of key scientific challenges in their respective area of expertise and provide feedback to scientific communities. Proactively seek out and share new knowledge and incorporate this into individual project(s) as well as the overall portfolio, catalyze knowledge sharing within pRED function and make knowledge accessible throughout pRED.

• Work closely with the External Innovation lead, DLT, broader Discovery and early development groups and TMo to coordinate external innovation activities such as: Ideation, consolidation and prioritization of novel external innovation ideas; landscaping of new potential areas of interest, identification and evaluation of external opportunities, execution of due-diligence activities for external programs

• Role model curiosity for working flexibly in new concepts and a matrix environment, take a proactive role in personal growth and scientific development. Enable individual and organizational learning within their teams and across the Discovery organization in order to advance the portfolio and scientific innovation. Thrive in a dynamic, inclusive environment and contribute to building a culture that embraces scientific excellence, accountability, urgency, partnerships with key stakeholders, continuous learning and improvement, increasing technical skill base and cancer biology expertise.

Who you are

• PhD or MD/PhD in Molecular or Cellular Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology (or a comparable biological science) with 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral experience in an academic or pharmaceutical/biotech environment. Prior industry experience is preferred.

• Expertise in cancer immunotherapy and/or cancer-cell dependencies as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or patents. Experience in cancer drug discovery /translational research and targeting molecular pathways using diverse modalities including large and/or small molecule compounds.

• Experience in immunooncology including T-cell redirection, cytokine biology and or intracellular oncogenic signaling/ cancer cell dependencies is required. Extensive knowledge and understanding of other areas of cancer biology including but not limited to cell cycle regulation, transcription factors, oncogenic signaling and or ADC biology.

• Experience supporting IND study reports or contributing to relevant sections of IND study reports is considered as an advantage

• Proven record of evaluating and incorporating external innovation, and working closely with colleagues in BD&L/partnering. Collaborative mindset with experience working within a matrix organization and effective communication skills.

• Collaborative mind-set, experience and eager to work within a matrix organization, collective goal achievement, good communication skills. People leadership experience, preferably in industry research and development settings.

Unwavering focus, collaborative teamwork and exceptional delivery are key behaviors that drive our mission of doing now what patients need next. Together, we can be transformative.

If you are passionate about contributing to a committed team and have the dedication to partnership and innovation, Roche is the place for you! Every role at Roche plays a part in making a difference in patients’ lives. Apply now and join us in making an impact!

Who we are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

Basel is the headquarters of the Roche Group and one of its most important centres of pharmaceutical research. Over 10,700 employees from over 100 countries come together at our Basel/Kaiseraugst site, which is one of Roche`s largest sites. Read more .

Besides extensive development and training opportunities, we offer flexible working options, 18 weeks of maternity leave and 10 weeks of gender independent partnership leave. Our employees also benefit from multiple services on site such as child-care facilities, medical services, restaurants and cafeterias, as well as various employee events.

We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and strive to identify and create opportunities that enable all people to bring their unique selves to Roche.