Senior Research Associate, Assay Operations, Screening Platform Technology (P3362)

Reference: 630192Posted: 2026-08-21Location: Redwood City, CaliforniaCompany: Planet Pharma GroupContact: ApplicationsEmail: View email address on click.appcast.io Research Associate, Assay Operations, Screening Platform Technology The OpportunityWe are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to join the Screening Platform Technology (SPT) team and help accelerate the discovery of novel oncology therapeutics. This role will support the development, productionalization, and execution of cellular and biochemical screening assays across medium- and high-throughput screening platforms. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists across Screening Platform Technology, Automation, Sample Management, Discovery Sciences, and Cancer Biology to establish robust, scalable, and automation-ready screening workflows. This position will play a key role in supporting the expansion of SPT’s automated screening capabilities, including implementation and operation of integrated automation platforms and workflows.The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience executing cellular and biochemical assays in high-throughput screening environments, with a strong interest in laboratory automation, assay operationalization, and screening infrastructure. They will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and enjoy solving technical challenges while generating high-quality data to support oncology drug discovery programs.ResponsibilitiesPartner with Screening Platform Technology scientists to transfer, optimize, productionalize, validate, and execute cellular and biochemical screening assays for hit identification, mechanism-of-action studies, lead optimization, and compound profiling.Execute medium- and high-throughput screening campaigns using automated liquid handling systems and integrated instrumentation platforms.Support implementation, operation, and continuous improvement of laboratory automation workflows and integrated robotic systems.Assist in assay transfer and scale-up activities, including protocol development, reagent qualification, documentation, and workflow standardization.Troubleshoot assay, instrumentation, and workflow issues in partnership with scientists, automation engineers, and vendors.Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks, assay documentation, SOPs, and screening records.Generate, organize, and communicate experimental results to project teams in a timely manner.Contribute to evaluation and implementation of new screening and automation capabilities and operational best practices.Required Skills, Experience and Education:Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline with 4+ years of experience or Master’s degree with 2+ years of experience in cellular biology.Hands-on experience executing both cellular and biochemical assays in high-throughput screening environments.Experience operating automated liquid handling platforms and screening instrumentation.Experience supporting automated workflows, including plate handling, liquid handling, scheduling software, and integrated screening systems.Strong laboratory troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify and resolve assay, instrumentation, and workflow issues.Familiarity with assay quality metrics including Z’, signal-to-background, signal-to-noise, coefficient of variation (CV), and normalization strategies.Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple screening activities simultaneously.Strong documentation practices, attention to detail, and commitment to generating high-quality experimental data.Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary team environment.Preferred Skills:Experience with integrated automation platforms and laboratory robotics (HighRes, Hamilton, Tecan, Agilent Bravo, Dragonfly, Mosquito, Echo, or similar systems).Experience supporting high-throughput screening (HTS) or high-content screening (HCS) campaigns.Proficiency in execution of in vitro biochemical and/or biophysical assays suitable for the discovery, validation, or mechanistic characterization of target molecules (SPR/BLI, TR-FRET, fluorescence polarization, etc.)Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including routine maintenance, expansion, passaging, and aseptic technique.Experience executing LC-MS workflows, including sample preparation, instrument operation, and data acquisition in support of analytical studies.Rigorous, quantitative, detail-oriented experimentalist with a strong understanding of assay statistics and screening quality metrics.