Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cancer Immunology in the Department of Discovery Oncology at Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA (2026)

The Department of Discovery Oncology at Genentech is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join the laboratory of Dr. Nathaniel West in South San Francisco, California. This exciting postdoctoral opportunity is ideal for researchers interested in cancer immunology, tumor biology, T-cell biology, cytokine signaling, and translational oncology. Successful candidates will work on discovering novel regulators of anti-tumor immunity and identifying new therapeutic opportunities that could shape the future of cancer treatment.

Position Overview

The West Lab is dedicated to understanding how the immune system recognizes and eliminates cancer cells. The team focuses on identifying previously unexplored and druggable cytokine pathways that can enhance tumor-specific immune responses while minimizing harmful side effects. Researchers in the lab combine:
• Cancer immunology
• T-cell biology
• Human genetics
• Clinical data analysis
• Molecular biology
• In vivo tumor models
• Translational research -- to uncover mechanisms that can be translated into next-generation cancer therapies.

Research Focus Areas

Cancer Immunology
• Investigate how immune cells interact with tumors and identify mechanisms that enhance anti-tumor responses.
T Cell Biology
• Study pathways that regulate tumor-specific T-cell activation, function, and persistence.
Cytokine Signaling
• Discover novel cytokine pathways that may serve as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Translational Oncology
• Integrate findings from laboratory experiments, human genetics, and clinical datasets to identify therapeutic opportunities.
Drug Discovery
• Contribute to early-stage research that supports the development of innovative cancer therapies.

What You Will Do

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research projects.
• Utilize state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo experimental systems.
• Analyze high-dimensional biological datasets.
• Collaborate with scientists across multiple research disciplines.
• Present research findings internally and externally.
• Publish high-impact scientific papers.
• Contribute to discoveries with potential clinical applications.

Why Join Genentech?

Genentech offers one of the most respected postdoctoral training programs in the biotechnology industry. Access to World-Class Research
Facilities. Postdoctoral researchers benefit from extensive scientific resources, including:
• Animal modeling platforms
• Protein chemistry facilities
• Computational biology support
• Advanced molecular biology technologies
• Translational research infrastructure
• Professional Development

The Genentech Postdoctoral Program provides:
• Mentorship from leading scientists
• Scientific leadership training
• Career development support
• Internal and external presentation opportunities
• Networking with experts across academia and industry
Research Impact
• Researchers are encouraged to pursue innovative projects, publish in top-tier journals, and contribute to breakthrough discoveries in oncology.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have:

• Required Qualifications PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline.
• Strong research background in immunology and T-cell biology.
• Experience working with in vivo experimental models.
• Ability to formulate scientific hypotheses and design experiments.
• Experience analyzing complex biological datasets.
• Strong scientific communication skills.
• At least one first-author publication in a leading peer-reviewed journal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:
• Cancer cell biology
• Molecular biology techniques
• Protein chemistry
• Cell biology
• Translational oncology

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation Annual Salary: $100,000 – $106,500 Salary may vary based on qualifications and experience.
Additional Benefits
• Relocation assistance available
• Fully funded research support
• Professional development opportunities
• Scientific mentoring and leadership training
• Access to cutting-edge research technologies Industry-leading biotechnology research environment

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through Genentech's official careers portal.
Applicants are encouraged to review the laboratory's research profile and publications before applying.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This position offers a unique chance to conduct cutting-edge research in cancer immunology and anti-tumor immunity within one of the world's leading biotechnology companies. Researchers interested in translating fundamental discoveries into future cancer therapies will find an exceptional environment for scientific growth, collaboration, and career development.