Postdoc Hiring Initiative (PHI): Open Call for Postdocs

Program Start Date: January - December 2026 (can be flexible within this time frame)

Location: South San Francisco

Length of Assignment: up to 4 years

Education Level: Recent graduates (three years since receiving a PhD degree), or in the final year of a PhD program.

The Opportunity:

Genentech's world-class biomedical research organization is recruiting up to four postdoctoral fellowships positions to work on exciting research and drug discovery projects. While students can apply to our postdoc program by submitting applications to specific labs that have opened positions, https://go.gene.com/postdoc, the Postdoc Hiring Initiative (PHI) is an exciting opportunity that enables students to apply for a postdoc position in a mentor's lab that does not have a current opening.

Postdoctoral Fellows at Genentech:

We seek talented and motivated recent and pending PhD graduates to join us as Postdoctoral Fellows. Genentech's Postdoctoral Program will give you the chance to work on fundamental biomedical research questions. With an emphasis on rigorous scientific training and a collaborative environment, you'll explore new ideas, develop new technologies, and publish your work to the broader scientific community. Our postdoc program can lay the foundation for your future career. Upon completing their postdoctoral research, our fellows continue their careers at Genentech, elsewhere in Industry, and in Academia.

Who You Are:

• Recent or pending PhD graduate in a relevant field of science. Preferred Majors/Disciplines: Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Data Science/Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Toxicology or other related disciplines.

• Graduate student applicants should be within 12 months of completing their PhD or be within 3 years of having completed their graduate degree.

• At least one first-author research publication accepted in a peer-reviewed scientific journal or currently in press (submitted manuscripts not accepted).

• A demonstrated ability to think critically, work independently, and solve complex problems

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills,

Requirements:

Please follow the instructions below carefully and make sure you include all the information requested in the CV and Cover Letter. Additional material will not be considered and their inclusion will slow down the evaluation process.

• Title Your PDF "First Name_Last Name_PHI_Application

• Please bundle your CV and Cover Letter into one single PDF when applying and do NOT send separate attachments

CV to include:

• Previous research, educational, and other relevant experiences

• Full publication list, including " in-press" and recently submitted papers

• Contact information for three professional references

Cover Letter to include:

Start each section of your cover letter with the appropriate heading and number of the question that you are addressing (e.g. #1 Personal Statement, #2 Mentors, etc.). We ask that you do NOT write your cover letter in the typical biographical essay format, instead follow the guidelines stated below.

1. Personal Statement: summarize your background, interests, why you are applying for the position, and why you would be a good fit for the Genentech postdoc program (400 words max).

2. Mentors: Identify three Genentech postdoc mentors from Research Biology or Drug Discovery with whom you are interested in working with and describe why (200 words max). https://go.gene.com/PostdocMentors

3. Potential Project: Write a brief description of a potential project, set of scientific questions or experiments that you would be excited to pursue at Genentech (200 words max).

4. Overcoming Challenge: What's the most creative or unique solution you've come up with in response to a challenge or problem that has occurred that you are especially proud of? This could be from any situation you would like to share, whether it is from your science, career, or personal experience (200 words max).

How to Apply

Applications are due on September 5th, 12PM PST and must include a single pdf containing the CV and cover letter addressing the 4 questions above. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For all other inquiries, contact: postdochire-d@gene.com

The recording of the PHI information session is found below. Please note the deadline to apply has been extended to September 5th, 12PM PST as stated above.

https://go.gene.com/GNEPostdocProgram2025

The expected salary range for this position, based on the primary location of South San Francisco, California, is $98,000 to $104,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

#LI-PL1

#postdoc

Genentech 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.