Principal Scientist I, Research at Roche in Pleasanton, CA

Roche Diagnostics is expanding the number of high-quality nucleic acid detection and quantification assays for diagnostics of infectious diseases. The Research and Early Development group for PCR IVD assays continuously aims to improve assay designs and supports a program that follows up on reports of new variations in target viruses and organisms so that the genetic diversity of each disease-causing agent is understood and accounted for in assay designs. This Global Surveillance Program (GSP) is a team of Research scientists that uses sequencing of clinical samples, bioinformatics analyses, and creation of artificial templates to evaluate assay performance.   The results of GSP studies both ensure the understanding of target organism diversity, the relationship between this diversity and oligo performance, and feeds back valuable information for the refinement of in-silico tools for assay design. This program is vital to the continuous development of successful diagnostic testing for infectious diseases.

As a Principal Scientist I in the PCR IVD Research and Early Development group's Global Surveillance Program, you will manage scientists working on sequencing investigations, variant-assessment projects, and new or improved sequencing assay or variant detection PCR assay designs.   With your understanding of infectious diseases, phylogenetics and taxonomy you will conduct analyses of target organism and virus diversity for diagnostic assays; partner with the developers of bioinformatics tools; and collaborate with multi-department teams assessing the oligo designs of IVD products. You will prepare reports and participate in meetings to communicate the findings of your team's research studies.

Responsibilities:

• Manages one or more scientists conducting investigations and projects. Makes decisions on prioritization of studies and projects. Ensures technical activities under delegated supervision are conducted within internal and external guidelines and regulations.  Interacts with other departments to further project goals.
  
• Conducts sequence alignment and analysis of primer and probe binding sites for PCR assays. Conducts literature and database searches for information on genotype, strain, or other variants that may have sequence changes in target genes. Uses phylogenetic analysis tools to identify the relationships of sequences for which genotype annotation may be incomplete. Merges information from in silico predictions, artificial template experiments, clinical sample testing results, and results from previous studies and investigations to assess the potential impact of sequence changes on assay performance. Designs artificial templates for assay performance testing where samples with a sequence variation are not available.   
  
• Conceives, plans and conducts advanced independent research studies and projects, applying advanced scientific knowledge to complete projects.  Designs experiments to test hypotheses related to project outcomes, and analyzes and interprets data/results.  Recommends new or creative approaches, and/or expansion or curtailment of investigations based on experimental data or new scientific information arising from area of responsibility. Participates in project planning, process updates, and experimental design.  Assumes responsibility for timely completion of studies and projects, ensuring activities are consistent with project critical path and responding appropriately to changing priorities. 
  
• Presents findings of assay design evaluations at cross-department review meetings and internal seminars.  Applies advanced technical writing skills to produce reports and documents.  Prepares summaries, internal reports, presentations, manuscripts, etc.
  
• Serves as an expert resource to other departments, provides timely response and follow-ups.  Participates in the expeditious review of products and technologies by providing scientific knowledge and assistance.  Provides technical advice/guidance to junior scientific staff, and serves as a role model
  
• Works on diverse problems requiring significant analysis and evaluation of intangible variables; may refer to established precedents and policies.
  
• Interacts with senior personnel from other departments on significant matters often requiring coordination between departments/organizations.
  
• May lead project teams to solve technical problems of moderate size risk and complexity.
  

Requirements:

• Master's in Biological/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field plus at least 7 years. Prefer PHD and 8 -10 years relevant industry experience
  
• Experience in sequence analysis, investigation of genomic diversity of viruses or bacteria, understanding of phylogenetics and taxonomy, experimental design, data analysis, and data and concept presentation. Versatile laboratory practice, expertise in standard molecular biology procedures including qPCR, dPCR and NGS.
  

Roche is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination based upon an individual's race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, mental/physical disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in connection with the on-line application process, please email us at   US.Accommodation@roche.com .

Who we are
At Roche, 98,000 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.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination based upon an individual's race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, mental/physical disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.