Associate Research Scientist/Scientist - Biology

o2h Group; Ahmedabad District; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

o2h Group is seeking a highly motivated researcher with PhD or MSc plus 5+ years hands-on experience in cell-based assay development and troubleshooting to join our multidisciplinary in vitro biology team in Ahmedabad.

The role involves designing, optimizing and validating biochemical and cell-based assay platforms for hit identification, lead optimization and functional characterization of small molecules, while working closely with screening, ADME and protein biology groups to deliver

Qualifications

• PhD with postdoctoral experience or MSc with 5+ years hands-on experience in cell-based assays.
• Ability to design, conduct, optimize and troubleshoot assays.
• Experience with cell biology and biochemistry techniques.
• Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams including screening, cell biology, protein biology and ADME.
• Independent, self-motivated and capable of meeting timelines.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, conduct, optimize and troubleshoot assays.
• Develop, optimize and validate biochemical and cell-based assay platforms for hit identification and lead optimization.
• Work on bench implementing state-of-the-art technologies across assay platforms.
• Ensure robust, high-quality assays with efficient use of automation and instrumentation.
• Data processing, interpretation and presentation to cross-functional teams.
• Plan, quote, track reagents, and execute timelines for each study.
• Collaborate with screening, cell biology, protein biology and ADME groups for client projects.

Skills

Hands-on assay development

Troubleshooting skills

Cell culture techniques

Data analysis & interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Plan & scheduling

Education

PhD or MSc with 5+ years experience

Tools

Automation platforms

Instrumentation handling

3D cell culture

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