Principal Associate Scientist, Biology

Job Description

Job Description

About Parabilis Medicines

Parabilis Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating extraordinary medicines for patients with serious diseases by unlocking biologically important targets long considered undruggable. The company has pioneered a new class of alpha-helical peptides – Helicons™ – capable of modulating intracellular proteins that have historically been beyond the reach of conventional medicines. The company's lead investigational medicine, zolucatetide, is the first and only direct inhibitor of the β-catenin:TCF interaction, a central node in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway that has eluded drug developers for decades. Zolucatetide is being evaluated in the clinic across multiple Wnt/β-catenin-driven diseases, including desmoid tumors, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and a range of other solid tumor indications. Beyond zolucatetide, Parabilis is advancing additional Helicon-based programs focused on other challenging targets where we believe our medicines could have life-altering impact. For more information, visit  or follow us on LinkedIn.

What's the opportunity?

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Associate Scientist to support cellular biochemistry and cell-based assay development for oncology discovery programs within our Biology team. This is a bench facing role central to building screening cascades, developing target engagement strategies, and contributing to mechanism of action understanding across multiple discovery efforts. Additionally, this scientist would be contributing to workflows at CRO partners, supporting study execution, data review, and troubleshooting in collaboration with project leads

The successful candidate will operate within a cross-functional environment working with the biology lead to conceive and develop innovative assay strategies, deepen biological understanding, and generate high-quality, decision-enabling data. This position requires strong scientific judgment, clear communication of complex data, and the ability to independently design, troubleshoot, and execute experiments in a fast-paced research setting.

This role is well-suited for a scientist who thrives in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment, demonstrates intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to incorporate feedback to continuously improve both their science and approach.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and execute target engagement and mechanism-of-action studies to characterize novel therapeutic candidates
• Develop cell-based assays (e.g., NanoBRET, HiBiT, AlphaLISA, HTRF) from conceptualization and proof-of-concept through to validated implementation in collaboration with internal or external cell pharmacology team
• Perform and interpret supporting assays including qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and pulldown assays
• Independently manage experimental workflows, anticipate technical challenges, and drive projects to completion
• Provide technical mentorship and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment
• Maintain high standards of data integrity, documentation, and experimental reproducibility

What you'll need to be successful:

Education & Experience

• B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 7–10+ years of relevant industry experience.

Required Qualifications

• Deep expertise in developing and executing cell-based assays (e.g., NanoBRET, HiBiT, AlphaLISA, HTRF)
• Proficiency in molecular and biochemical techniques including qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and pulldown assays
• Experience with cell line engineering (CRISPR/Cas9, viral expression systems)
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments
• Ability to critically evaluate complex datasets, resolve discrepancies, and communicate clear conclusions to cross-functional stakeholders
• Intellectual curiosity, proactively identifying opportunities to deepen expertise or explore new approaches
• Ability to work on-site in bench-facing capacity and actively participate in in-person collaboration

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with induced proximity or targeted protein degradation approaches
• Experience in oncology drug discovery

Core Values

Parabilis Medicines is a team of passionate pioneers who are trailblazing the future of precision medicine with the aim of making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. The company is committed to promoting an inspiring and flourishing working environment for all employees across the business, in all departments, and driving innovation for patient benefit.

• Growth-Minded . We're inventing a new class of medicines—one applicable to therapeutic targets that have been dreamt about, but always considered impossible to drug. Our work requires us to be curious, humble and adaptable.
• In(ter)dependent. We are fiercely independent as a leader in defying the limitations of current therapeutic modalities, and interdependent as a team as we work collaboratively to shift drug discovery paradigms and provide patients with better treatment options.
• Patient-focused. We are deeply focused on patient outcomes, and all energy in the company is focused on science as it translates to patient impact.
• All-In. We're All-In on solving some of the hardest scientific challenges and delivering one of the most effective new classes of drugs in history.

The base salary range for this position is $108,000-$128,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal practices. Parabilis's total compensation package also includes an annual target bonus, equity, and a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits designed to support our employees' overall well-being.

As an equal opportunity employer, Parabilis Medicines values an inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

30 Acorn Park Drive | Cambridge, MA 02140 |