Assay Development Scientist (349)
Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Associate Research Scientist
Job ID: 349
Location: Alameda, CA 94502 (In-person)
Pay Rate: $36.00 – $46.00 / hour (W2)
Duration: 12 Months (Extension & potential conversion possible after 1 year)
Shift: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST (With some flexibility)
Interview Process: 1 Round (2-hour onsite panel across ~2 interviews)
Job Summary
The Associate Research Scientist will conceptualize, develop, optimize, and execute biophysical and biochemical assays to support hit identification, validation, and mechanism of action (MoA) studies for early-stage small molecule drug discovery projects. This role involves developing automated High-Throughput Screening (HTS) biochemical assays (1536-well plate) and biophysical assays (96/384-well plate formats) to advance research programs toward development candidate nomination.
Top Required Skills
- HTS Assay Development & Screening: High-throughput screening in 1536- and 384-well plate formats.
- Biophysical Assays: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) preferred.
- Assay Technologies: HTRF, AlphaLISA, MSD, ELISA, Fluorescence Polarization (FP), and Luminescence-based assays.
- Lab Automation: Experience with automated screening workflows and liquid handling/dispensing equipment.
- Bonus: Cellular assay experience, small molecule heterobifunctional degraders, or molecular glues.
Key Responsibilities
- Assay Development & Execution: Independently design, optimize, and run biophysical and biochemical assays for small molecule compound profiling and HTS campaigns.
- Workflow Optimization: Evaluate and implement new technologies, protocols, and automated tools to support projects from hit finding through lead optimization and MoA studies.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams, present data/project updates to department leadership, and contribute to discovery project meetings.
- Compliance & Documentation: Maintain accurate electronic lab notebooks according to company IP policies and adhere to all laboratory health and safety standards.
Qualifications & Experience
Education & Professional Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline + 5+ years of experience, OR
- Associate’s Degree in a related discipline + 7+ years of experience, OR
- High School Diploma / GED + 9+ years of experience.
Technical & Soft Skills
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery: Hands-on experience developing biophysical and biochemical assays for small molecule targets.
- SPR Expertise: Strong working knowledge of SPR techniques to discover and characterize small molecule-protein target complexes.
- Automation Familiarity: Experience using liquid handlers, dispensers, plate readers, and automated workflows.
- Communication & Management: Strong problem-solving, multi-tasking, and written/verbal communication skills; ability to align daily experimental work with broader discovery goals.
Additional Information
- Supervisory Role: None
- Work Environment: Primary duties conducted in a laboratory setting
- Benefits: Health insurance, Dental insurance
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