Principal II Scientist, Applied Chemistry, Fluidic Systems, Research & Early Development

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

At Roche, we are working to make next-generation sequencing simple and accessible enough for routine use. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing, resulting in a sample in, result out workflow.

Our Systems Technology Group, a part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, is seeking a Principal II Scientist to lead our applied chemistry efforts. This is a hands-on role for a multidisciplinary expert focused on solving the core chemical challenges at the heart of our next-generation platforms. You will be responsible for inventing, developing, and integrating the novel chemical processes and formulations that ensure the ultimate performance, reliability, and longevity of our systems. In this role, you will lead early-stage R&D projects and collaborate closely with materials, mechanical, consumables, and integration engineers to develop robust solutions-from inventing novel surface modification strategies to formulating reagents that solve complex challenges like non-specific binding and carryover-bridging the gap between fundamental chemistry and applied systems engineering.

The Opportunity

Chemistry Innovation & Process Development

• You will invent, screen, and validate novel chemical formulations and buffer additives to mitigate biofouling and the non-specific adsorption of sensitive molecules within complex fluidic systems.
• You will pioneer and optimize novel chemistries and conjugation methodologies for the attachment of coatings, polymers and biomolecules to various surfaces, ensuring high efficiency, stability, and optimal density for downstream applications.
• You will lead the development and validation of protocols for complex fluidic systems to eliminate carryover and ensure robust, reproducible performance over the lifetime of the system.
• You will design and execute studies to determine optimal process conditions and chemical compatibility for on-instrument processes and chemical reactions.
• You will drive root cause investigations of system-level contamination issues.

Assay Development & System Performance

Workflow Implementation & System Troubleshooting

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategy

Who You Are (Required) :

Preferred :

This is an on-site position based in Santa Clara, CA. (This is not a hybrid position.)

Relocation benefits are not being offered for this role.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara, CA is $125,500 - $233,500. 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

#RSS2025

Who we are

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.

Roche 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 .