About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Senior Research Assistant to join our Drug Discovery team. In this role, you will design, execute, and analyze cell-based and in vivo studies that drive our early-stage discovery pipeline from target validation through lead optimization. The ideal candidate is hands-on at the bench, rigorous with data, and comfortable owning experiments end-to-end with minimal supervision.
Key Responsibilities
- Biochemical assays: Design and perform biochemical assays to evaluate compound potency and drive SAR development for internal pipeline projects.
- Cell-based assays: Design and perform proliferation, viability, cytotoxicity, reporter, and functional assays to evaluate compound potency and mechanism of action.
- Potency analysis (IC50/EC50): Generate dose-response curves and calculate IC50 / EC50 / GI50 values using GraphPad Prism or equivalent, and interpret potency and selectivity data for the project team.
- Cell culture: Maintain and expand mammalian cell lines (adherent and suspension), including thawing, passaging, cryopreservation, mycoplasma testing, and QC of cell banks.
- Develop, optimize, and validate new assays; troubleshoot experimental issues and improve throughput and reproducibility.
- Analyze, interpret, and clearly present experimental data at team meetings; maintain accurate, timely records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
- Collaborate cross-functionally with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and biology colleagues to advance compounds through the pipeline.
- Contribute to protocol writing, SOP development and general lab equipment maintenance.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, or a related life-science field.
- Typically 5-10+ years (BS) or 5+ years (MS) of hands-on laboratory experience in drug discovery, biotech, pharma, or an academic research setting.
- Demonstrated expertise in biochemical and cell-based assay execution. Strong abilities in troubleshooting.
- Proficiency in IC50/EC50 determination and dose-response data analysis (GraphPad Prism or equivalent).
- Solid understanding of drug discovery and development concepts.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and accurate record-keeping.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with high-throughput or high-content screening.
- Familiarity with flow cytometry, Western blotting, qPCR, ELISA, or immunofluorescence.
- Prior work in a specific therapeutic area (e.g., oncology, immunology, neuroscience).
- Working knowledge of statistical analysis and data visualization.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
