Associate Research Scientist/Scientist - Biology

o2h; Ahmedabad District; On-site; INR 800,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

o2h is seeking an experienced scientist to design, optimize and troubleshoot cell-based and biochemical assays for small molecule screening. You will work with an in vitro biology team and collaborate with chemistry, screening, and ADME groups on client projects.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Masters with 5+ years of hands-on experience in cell biology, assay development and data interpretation, including transfections, protein analyses, and imaging techniques.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Masters with 5+ years in cell-based assays and biochemistry.
• Ability to design, conduct, optimize and troubleshoot assays independently.
• Develop and validate biochemical and cell-based assay platforms for hit identification.
• Extensive experience in cell biology and biochemistry techniques.
• Strong knowledge of transcription studies, targeted degradation, and target validation.
• Cell culture across immortalized lines, primary cells and 3D systems.
• Transient transfections, stable cell lines and related genetic approaches.
• Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting for protein analyses.
• Fluorescence microscopy and high-content imaging is advantageous.
• Experience with CRISPR knockout and siRNA/shRNA knockdown.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, conduct, optimize and troubleshoot assays.
• Develop, optimize and validate assay platforms for screening campaigns.
• Work with automation and instrumentation to ensure robust assays.
• Interact with cross-functional teams for integrated drug discovery support.
• Process data, interpret results and present to stakeholders.

Skills

Cell culture

Biochemistry

Assay development

Transfection

CRISPR

Western blot

Immunoprecipitation

Microscopy

High-content imaging

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. or Masters with 5+ years

Tools

Automation

Instrumentation

Job description

• Ph.D with Postodoctoral or Masters with 5+ years of hands-on experience in cell-based assay development and troubleshooting skills; ability to handle different plate formats for small molecule screening

• Reporting to senior team leader, work with a group of in vitro assay biologists, learning and coaching group members to improve skills and productivity

• Independently design, conduct, optimize and proactively troubleshoot assays

• Develop, optimize and validate biochemical and cell-based assay platforms for the hit identification, lead optimization and functional characterization of small molecules

• Work on the bench implementing state-of-the-art technologies for the different assay platforms

• Ensure robust and high-quality assays with efficient use of automation and instrumentation

• Data processing, interpretation and presentation to cross functional team members

• Proposing, planning, quoting, tracking reagent needs, usage and executing timelines for each study

• Work closely with other biology groups involved in screening, cell biology, protein biology and ADME, offering integrated drug discovery support alongside chemistry for multiple client-based projects

• Extensive work experience in cell biology and biochemistry techniques

• Good working knowledge of transcription-based studies, targeted protein degradation, target identification and validation

• Cell culture experience and in handling different immortalized cell lines, primary cultures, 3D cultures

• Ability to perform transient transfections and generate stable cell lines

• Good working knowledge of immunoprecipitation and Western blotting for protein analysis, quantification and in studying protein-protein interactions

• Experience in fluorescence microscopy and high-content imagining is an advantage

• Experience in targeted protein degradation, target engagement assays (e.g. nanoBRET, CETSA) is an advantage

• Experience in CRISPR-CAS9 knock-out and siRNA/shRNA knock-down studies

• Experience with site-directed mutagenesis is beneficial but not a must

• Candidates must be capable of excellent teamwork in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, where meeting timelines will be essential.

• Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills

• An ability to overcome technical challenges and exercise sound judgment under pressure

• High self-motivation to initiate projects and work independently under aggressive deadlines

• A strong technical knowledge with exceptional attention to detail

• An excellent personal rapport and an ability to engender trust and respect

• An ability to work well as part of a small focussed team and build relationships

• An exceptional communication skill and an ease in interaction with all stakeholders

• An infectious enthusiasm for life, work and making a difference to the world in which we live

• A bright, friendly, flexible personality with agility to switch between different skill sets

• An exceptional organisational skill that thrives working in a fast-paced and vibrant team environment

• Positivity, focus and a winning mentality allied with kindness

• Curiosity, energy, creativity, and bravery with a strong desire to help to build the o2h culture