Head of Material Science for Cell & Gene

San Francisco, California
Genentech
The Position

Roche Pharma Global Technical Operations (PT) delivers a fast evolving portfolio of new Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) products to bring new curative treatments to patients. This portfolio of new products comes with the great promise to bring unprecedented medical advances to patients but also presents unique challenges with regards to CMC aspects of these products. Especially the understanding of the impact of materials on the performance of the processes and the quality of the products is a key success factor.

The Opportunity:

As the Global Head of Material Sciences, you will be at the forefront of shaping and implementing the material sciences strategy for our CGT pipeline. Your leadership and expertise will be crucial in driving the integration of materials understanding, data-driven approaches, and innovation across development and manufacturing processes. In this role, you will:

1. Direct and lead a cross-functional, global team of highly qualified material sciences professionals.
2. Lead the integration of material science strategy into product development, ensuring a risk-based, compliant approach across the CGT value chain.
3. Establish and maintain a strategic portfolio view of materials risk, impact on Cost of Goods (COGS), and scalability for CGT products.
4. Work closely with Research & Technical Development on the design, synthesis, and characterization of new materials.
5. Lead all aspects of the sourcing and supplier management for CGT material selection and qualification.
6. Foster collaboration with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality functions to implement materials lifecycle management following a risk-based, phase-appropriate approach.
7. Serve as an industry thought leader, advocating for industry standards and educating health authorities to advance materials science in CGT.

Who You Are:

1. Graduate degree or PhD in Life Sciences or Engineering and at least 10 years of material sciences experience in the biotech/pharma industry with a deep knowledge of CMC development.
2. A proven track record of leading, inspiring, and developing a team of experienced leaders, along with experience in matrixed leadership and the ability to coach others on it.
3. Proven track record to quickly learn in unfamiliar territory, efficiently teach, and upskill others, operating independently under general management oversight while making sound decisions and being accountable for them.
4. Successful track record in driving and completing results, with proactive communication of changes and updates to management and teams.
5. Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, with a quality orientation even in environments lacking a fully developed quality framework.
6. Collaborative Leadership: Ability to influence with or without authority, facilitate diverse groups, drive consensus and alignment, with a high tolerance for ambiguity.
7. Communication and Planning: Effective communication at all organizational levels, teaching and presenting complex ideas clearly and simply, excellent planning and prioritization skills, and the ability to multitask and deliver results despite a shifting environment, operating with a high degree of autonomy.

Preferred Experience:

1. Knowledge of nucleic acid biochemistry and advanced genetic engineering of cells.

The expected salary range for this position based in California is $190,960 – 354,640. 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

Relocation is approved for this job posting.

This is an on-site role.

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer, and we embrace the increasingly diverse world around us. Genentech prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status and veteran status.