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

1. HTS Assay Development & Screening: High-throughput screening in 1536- and 384-well plate formats.
2. Biophysical Assays: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) preferred.
3. Assay Technologies: HTRF, AlphaLISA, MSD, ELISA, Fluorescence Polarization (FP), and Luminescence-based assays.
4. Lab Automation: Experience with automated screening workflows and liquid handling/dispensing equipment.
5. 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

Company Description