Associate Research Scientist

Top Skills: HTS Assay Development & Screening (1536/384)Biophysical Assays (SPR Preferred)Experience with technologies such as: HTRF, AlphaLISA, MSD, ELISA, Fluorescence Polarization (FP), Luminescence-based assaysLaboratory Automation & Automated Screening WorkflowsSUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE: The candidate is responsible for conceptualization, development, optimization and execution of biophysical and biochemical assays to support hit identification and validation efforts in early-stage small molecule drug discovery projects. This scientist is also responsible for the development of automated High-Throughput Screening (HTS) biochemical (1536-well plate) and/or biophysical assays to profile compound mechanism of action (96-and 384-well plate formats) to advance research programs from discovery to development candidate nomination.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Independently develop, optimize and execute small molecule compound profiling and HTS biochemical and biophysical assaysConsistently contribute to the design, planning, and execution of HTS campaigns and mechanism of action (MoA) studiesIndependently nominates, evaluates, and implements new technologies, protocols, and workflows to support projects from hit finding, hit validation, to lead optimization stages, as well as MoA studiesCollaborates with internal groups and departments to discuss and resolve project and/or department needso Presents data and reports on project status to department head/manager and at discovery project and research meetingso Communicates scientific results to manager, department, and project team partners and/or collaboratorsMaintains laboratory notebook in a complete, consistent, and concise manner in accordance with company intellectual property policies and practicesComply with company health and safety policies and general laboratory practicesOther responsibilities, as assigned SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: none EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Education/Experience:Bachelor’s degree in related discipline + five years of related experience; orAssociate’s degree in related discipline + seven years of related experienceHigh School Diploma/GED + nine years of related experienceEquivalent combination of education and experience. Expected Experience:Hands-on experience with variety of biophysical and biochemical assay technologies relevant to small molecule drug discovery is requiredThorough knowledge of and experience with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques to discover and characterize small molecule-protein target complexes is highly desiredThorough knowledge of assay development for HTS applications, designing workflows, managing, and executing screening campaigns is requiredSignificant experience in developing both biophysical and biochemical assays in 1536- and 384-well plate formats is requiredHands-on experience with a variety of laboratory automation equipment (e.g. liquid handlers, dispensers, readers) is a strong plus Additional Knowledge/Skills:Broad understanding of biophysical (SPR, MST, NanoDSF, BLI, thermal shift assays, etc.) and biochemical assays (HTRF, AlphaLISA, Lumit, MSD, ELISA, FP, GLO, etc.) as well as the detection technologies used in their executionWorking knowledge to apply a variety of cutting-edge automation tools to enable biophysical and biochemical assay development and executionRemains current with relevant scientific literature and advancements in lab technologies and new drug discovery technologies/methodologies and suggests their implementationExperience characterizing small molecule heterobifunctional degraders and/or molecular glues is a plusIn discussion with manager, sets goals with understanding of priority and impact to projects, the department, and organization. Solid understanding of how individual experiments fit within a larger discovery projectAbility to collaborate with a cross-functional team on extremely complex problemsAbility to multi-task in a fast-paced dynamic environment while delivering high quality workExcellent interpersonal and written communication skillsWORKING CONDITIONS:Environment: primarily working in laboratoryTravel not required