Overview In this Senior Principal Pathologist-Scientist role, you lead translational safety pathology across multiple development programs, bringing autonomous pathology leadership from discovery to regulatory milestones. You'll integrate pathology with toxicology, pharmacology, and clinical data to shape strategy and risk assessment. You will work cross-functionally to design GLP/non-GLP safety programs, develop biomarkers and NAMs, and contribute to the scientific direction of Translational Safety Pathology at Genentech/Roche. This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership position based on-site in South San Francisco.
Compensation / Benefits- discretionary annual bonus
Responsibilities- Lead and manage pathology strategy for multiple complex development programs from discovery through late-stage development and regulatory milestones
- Provide expert input on necropsy, clinical pathology, histopathology interpretation, and integrated study findings
- Collaborate with toxicologists, translational scientists, pharmacologists, clinicians, and regulatory colleagues to design fit-for-purpose safety programs
- Synthesize complex datasets and literature to form clear risk assessments and development recommendations
- Identify and investigate potential safety issues related to targets, modalities, or mechanisms to inform development strategy
- Contribute to safety biomarker development, digital/computational pathology, and NAMs
- Advise on study design to reduce animal use while ensuring safety and regulatory readiness
- Prepare or review regulatory documents and interact with health authorities; represent Translational Safety and Genentech/Roche in regulatory contexts
- Provide cross-functional leadership and contribute to program and capability-building initiatives
- Mentor and develop pathology teams, promoting rigorous scientific decision-making and an inclusive culture
- Advance external scientific standing through publications, collaborations, and industry involvement
Key requirements- ACVP/ECVP board-certified or equivalent with 5+ years of direct drug-development experience
- Ability to independently support and influence drug-development programs as a toxicologic pathologist
- Proven cross-functional leadership and risk-based decision making under ambiguity and tight timelines
- Strong knowledge of toxicologic pathology, nonclinical safety assessment, and regulatory toxicology principles
- Recognized expertise in translational safety or drug development with leadership experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences including senior leaders and regulatory bodies
- Willingness to work on-site in South San Francisco at least 3 days per week
- cross-functional collaboration
- clear communication
- adaptability in ambiguity
- toxicologic pathology
- nonclinical safety assessment
- regulatory toxicology and drug-development strategy
