Principal Scientist I at Roche

The Position

Roche DIA Cape Town would hereby like to invite applications for an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic Sequencing Assay Development team as a full-time Principal Scientist I.

Description
The Development team ensures product quality, consistency and operational efficiency through optimised and validated processes, test methods as well as new product design. Reporting directly to the Director of Sequencing Assay Development, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

The Principal Scientist will support the Director – Sequencing Assay Development with project management and technical project lead activities. This role will contribute to the development and execution of product development strategy and roadmaps, while building good professional relationships within and beyond the department.

The Principal Scientist will not have direct reports, but this role will lead project teams and contribute to staff development (coaching and mentoring) and performance management.

Other roles and responsibilities may include:

• Designs, plans and executes assigned research and/or development-related experiments/projects utilising established and innovative procedures, and applying scientific knowledge and accumulated experience to complete projects
• Contributes to the definition and timely achievement of overall project goals. Makes recommendations and ensures activities are consistent with project critical path, and responds appropriately to changing priorities
• Reviews experimental results and conclusions with project teams
• Ensures that experimental data are analyzed, interpreted and recorded in a timely manner according to established formats by the project teams
• Plans and executes work independently and manages their own time to accomplish assigned objectives
• Keeps stakeholders informed of project status, particularly of significant findings and results in critical problem areas
• Establishes, as appropriate, cross-functional relationships
• Keeps informed of trends and developments in the area of scientific responsibility
• Decisions impact project team(s) and/or broader organisation. Ensures appropriate decisions to minimise negative impact in terms of delay in operations, financial expense, or customer or user dissatisfactions
• Participates in lab safety, ISO, and QSR implementation
• Performs work according to established internal safety guidelines and procedures, and as specified by appropriate external regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA)

Qualifications And Educational Requirements

• A technical background in a relevant field (Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology) – Honour’s or Master’s degree preferred
• 7+ years’ (or equivalent) experience in project leadership, people leadership and technical roles
• A passion and aptitude for leadership, coaching and mentorship
• A growth mindset

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Experience working in an ISO-regulated environment
• Experience working in an Agile environment
• Experience with VACC leadership styles
• Knowledge of NGS applications or a proven biochemistry background will be beneficial
• Should possess basic knowledge of automation, instrumentation, manufacturing processes or design processes
• Should possess basic knowledge of reagent/assay development and manufacturing processes in a health authority regulated environment
• Prior experience managing projects, programs or portfolios in a strategic or product context
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) with the ability to present at all functional levels
• Ability to collaborate and deliver in a complex global organisation
• The ideal candidate will be action oriented and excited to find solutions to complex, evolving problems
• Develops effective working relationships with stakeholders, peers and partners
• Acknowledges and respects others’ diverse perspectives
• Comfortable to network with various departments and functions
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Stress and time management skills