Principal Scientist II, Surface Chemistry

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.

Roche Diagnostics is committed to advancing the entire NGS value chain, moving beyond individual tools to integrated solutions that accelerate research and translational applications across whole genome, whole transcriptome, multiomics, and epigenetics.

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 NGS, resulting in a sample in/result out workflow. (For more information: https://sequencing.roche.com/us/en/article-listing/sbx-platform-reaches-unprecedented-speeds.html)

We are seeking a talented Principal Scientist, Surface Chemistry to join our team. The successful candidate will have a broad background in surface science and device development. This is an opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies, developing surface chemistries and protocols enabling NGS-based advanced applications and consumables. Strong hands-on skills in modifying surfaces with covalently bound or physically immobilized coatings and bioconjugation techniques are required. The principal scientist requires experience in surface characterization methods and the development of assays to assess the performance of surface modifications. Additionally, this position requires a deep understanding of chemical principles governing interactions at biomolecule-semiconductor interfaces. Experience with early stage instrumentation, data analysis techniques, and analytical characterization of reagents is highly desired.

The Opportunity:

• You will develop surface modifications and novel chemistries and protocols enabling consumables for NGS applications.

• You will drive the synthetic manipulation of surfaces at a molecular level to precisely engineer surface energy characteristics and other properties that will ensure optimal device performance in a complex system.

• You will develop methods and assays for surface characterization using a diverse range of techniques to thoroughly understand surface composition, morphology and chemical properties, and to establish critical structure-property relationships.

• You will design and execute studies to determine optimal process conditions for surface modifications, including sequencing data collection and data analysis.

• You will develop methods for characterization of surface chemistry reagents and the incoming inspection protocol.

• You will analyze complex data sets, author technical reports, and present findings and strategic recommendations to the team and the organization.

• You will develop a scaled-up surface functionalization process and work with Operations to transfer the process.

Who You Are:
(Required)

• You have a PhD degree in Chemistry or a closely related field, with a strong focus on surface science and materials modification.

• You have 5 or more years of professional experience in a post-doctoral or industrial environment, with a significant portion of that experience focused on the development of surface modifications for biomolecule analysis.

• You have a proven track record in development of bioconjugation strategies, modification of surface energy, and tailoring surface properties for demanding applications at the biomolecule-device interface.

• You have demonstrated expertise in working with early stage instrumentation and devices.

• You have the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate findings into actionable insights, and are proficient in JMP and Python.

• You have excellent communication and presentation skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently with minimal direction.

• You seamlessly collaborate with colleagues and other parts of the organization.

Preferred:

• You have experience with NGS-based applications and/or platform development, including an understanding of the critical surface requirements for optimal performance of consumables.

• You have experience with early stage instrumentation, data analysis techniques, and analytical characterization of reagents.

• You have a strong understanding of principles and challenges of surface functionalization of microfluidic and lab-on-chip complex consumables.

• You have demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities, with a strong aptitude for systematically analyzing issues within complex, interconnected, and multidisciplinary systems, and developing effective, data-driven solutions.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara, CA is $138,600 - $257,500. 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

#RSS2026

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.