Scientist

- Onsite in South San Francisco, CA
- Standard business hours (approximately 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Full-time laboratory presence expected
The ideal candidate will have experience beyond simply running established laboratory protocols.




The team is specifically interested in candidates who have:
- Owned assay development activities
- Participated in assay optimization
- Conducted assay validation work
- Troubleshot technical issues independently
- Evaluated assay performance and reliability
- Generated data used for program decisions




Candidates should be capable of understanding why an assay is being performed and how results impact research objectives, rather than simply executing predefined procedures.




Role Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Scientist to support Discovery Biomarkers within Cardiometabolic Disease and Obesity & Related research programs. This contract role is ideal for an independent experimentalist who enjoys developing, executing, troubleshooting, and interpreting biomarker assays that inform program decisions.
The successful candidate will generate high-quality biomarker data from mouse, non-human primate, and human biological samples; collaborate closely with Discovery Biomarkers scientists and cross-functional teams; and clearly communicate results to support project strategy and decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Experimental Execution and Assay Support
Independently execute biomarker assays, including ELISA, MSD, flow cytometry, qPCR, ligand-binding assays, and other immunoassay platforms as appropriate.
Process and analyze mouse, non-human primate, and human biological samples in accordance with SOPs and EHSS expectations.
Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot biomarker assays to improve assay robustness, reproducibility, and fit-for-purpose performance.
Prepare reagents, standards, controls, and samples; perform calculations; and ensure accurate assay setup and execution.
Data Generation, Analysis, and Communication
Generate high-quality, well-documented datasets suitable for internal decision-making, project updates, and cross-functional discussions.
Perform preliminary data analysis, quality review, and visualization using tools such as GraphPad Prism, Excel, or similar software.
Interpret results in partnership with Discovery Biomarkers scientists and contribute scientific insights and recommendations.
Present data, experimental conclusions, and assay troubleshooting updates to CMD/OaR Discovery Biomarkers team.
Maintain accurate and timely electronic laboratory notebook records, including protocols, raw data, calculations, deviations, and conclusions.
Program and Team Support
Provide hands-on biomarker support across multiple discovery-stage CMD/OaR programs.
Collaborate with Discovery Biomarkers, Precision Medicine, and cross-functional project teams to align assay work with program priorities.
Manage parallel experiments and timelines while maintaining strong attention to detail, data integrity, and scientific rigor.
Qualifications
PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline; or BS/MS in a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
Demonstrated experience in assay development, assay execution, and assay troubleshooting in translational or discovery research settings.
Strong working knowledge of biomarker assay platforms such as ELISA, MSD, AlphaLISA, Luminex, ligand-binding assays, or related immunoassay technologies.
Experience handling in vivo and ex vivo translational biological samples, including mouse, non-human primate, and/or human samples.
Experience with common cell and molecular biology techniques such as western blotting, qPCR, RNA/DNA isolation, and cell culture.
Proficiency with scientific data analysis and visualization software, including GraphPad Prism, Excel, or comparable tools.
Familiarity with SOP-driven laboratory workflows, EHSS expectations, and good documentation practices.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to support multiple programs in parallel.
Clear scientific communication skills and a collaborative working style.
Cardiometabolic, metabolic disease, obesity, or related therapeutic area research experience preferred.
Experience contributing to project team discussions, data reviews, and biomarker strategy conversations preferred.