Principal Scientist, Portfolio & gRED Interface-Biologics, AI for Drug Discovery (AIDD)

The PositionA 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.Advances in AI, data, and computational sciences are transforming drug discovery and development. Roche’s Research and Early Development organisations at Genentech (gRED) and Pharma (pRED) have demonstrated how these technologies accelerate R&D, leveraging data and novel computational models to drive impact. Seamless data sharing and access to models across gRED and pRED are essential to maximising these opportunities. The new Computational Sciences Center of Excellence (CoE) is a strategic, unified group whose goal is to harness the transformative power of data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist our scientists in both pRED and gRED to deliver more innovative and transformative medicines for patients worldwide. ​The OpportunityAt Roche's AI for Drug Discovery (AIDD) group within the Computational Sciences Center of Excellence, we are driving a paradigm shift in how large molecule drug discovery is conducted. Our vision is to integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning into every stage of antibody discovery—from target assessment and design optimization to developability prediction and portfolio prioritization.But vision without execution is just strategy. We need exceptional scientist-leaders who can take our computational methods and translate them into measurable impact on active portfolio projects. We need people who understand both the science deeply and navigate the complex relationships in our discovery organizations. We need leaders who can build and develop teams that deliver.You would be stepping into a role with outsized impact: driving portfolio applications of advanced ML models directly to gRED projects, serving as a trusted technical advisor to gRED leadership, and building a team of computational scientists who collectively raise the bar for what's possible in large molecule design.In this role, you will:Drive portfolio impact by leading the application of machine learning models (developability, functional modeling, design optimization) to active gRED projects—taking models from research to real projects with measurable outcomesInterface with gRED leadership as a trusted technical advisor on computational strategy, capability development, and portfolio prioritization; serve as the primary liaison between computational sciences and gRED leadershipLead the Large Molecule portfolio modeling team, setting research direction, mentoring scientific development, and creating an environment where people do their best workDevelop and execute a technical strategy for how ML shapes gRED's approach to antibody discovery and engineering and align with your pRED counterpartNavigate complex stakeholder landscapes, including Antibody Engineering, platform teams, and external partners, to align on priorities and build collaborationIdentify and own high-impact research initiatives that solve real problems for the portfolio and advance the state of the scienceWho You AreDeep Technical ExpertisePhD in Computational Biology, Biophysics, Immunology, Chemistry, or Computer Science with significant experience in drug discovery (10+ years total, 5+ in ML/computational methods for biologics)Expertise in computational methods for large molecule design, with particular depth in antibody engineering, biophysical modeling, or developability assessmentTrack record of developing novel computational methods that have influenced real drug discovery projectsFirst-author publications demonstrating research innovation in computational drug discovery or related fieldsUnderstanding of the full lifecycle of antibody discovery: target selection, lead optimization, humanization, and developmentPortfolio & Translation ExperienceProven ability to translate computational research into portfolio impact. You've worked on active drug discovery projects where your work directly influenced decisions, design choices, or project prioritizationYou understand the pressures and constraints of portfolio science: timelines, resource constraints, competing priorities, the need for both speed and rigorYou know how to communicate uncertainty and limitations to non-expert audiences; you can explain what models can and cannot doExperience working across scientific teams and navigating organizational complexityLeadership & People DevelopmentDemonstrated track record leading research teams or mentoring junior scientistsAbility to attract, develop, and retain talented peopleYou create clarity around expectations, provide constructive feedback, and invest in people's growthStrong communication skills: can present complex science to senior leadership and collaborate across disciplinesStrategic ThinkingYou see where AI/ML can have outsized impact in drug discovery and why some approaches work better than othersYou understand the organizational dynamics of large pharma R&D and how to navigate them effectivelyYou're comfortable with ambiguity but disciplined about executionYou have opinions about how things should work, and you drive toward better approachesRelocation benefits are NOT available for this job postingThe expected salary range for this position, based on the primary location of California, is $201,300 - 373,800. 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#ComputationCoE#tech4lifeComputationalScience #tech4lifeAIGenentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.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.Job SummaryJob number: 202608-120345Date posted : 2026-08-05Profession: Data Science & AI / MLEmployment type: Full time