Senior / Principal Scientist, Assay Development and Screening

Zenith Therapeutics is redefining drug discovery through a new approach to protein degradation. Our team has identified key ligases that govern the turnover of hard-to-drug transcription factors and convert these pairs into druggable protein-protein interfaces. With an initial focus on oncology and immune modulation, we are committed to advancing highly impactful precision medicines across multiple disease areas.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Zenith was created by Ridgeline Discovery, a Versant Ventures Discovery Engine, and is backed by leading investors in the biotech sector.

We are looking for an experienced small molecule screening expert to join our growing drug discovery team at Zenith. You will lead and implement our internal screening setup to identify and optimize molecular glues, work hand in hand with our biology team to develop and optimize assays and be accountable for compound logistics and interactions with external partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and run the screening platform at Zenith for both small-scale screens and regular compound profiling. Oversee day-to-day operations ensuring efficient execution and quality of screening results.
• Manage and troubleshoot screening technologies, ensuring optimal performance of equipment and protocols, and ensure seamless integration of external components (compound logistics) with internal setup (sample tracking, data storage, statistical analysis).
• Critically evaluate and optimize screening assays to identify hits for targeted drug discovery programs, with a particular focus on validation for robustness, sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility.
• Work closely with medicinal chemistry and biology experts, to validate assays, generate screening results and assist with lead optimization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field with at least 5 years of hands-on experience in small molecule screening, assay development, mid-to-high throughput screening, liquid handling devices and lab automation.
• Good knowledge of in vitro pharmacology concepts and a variety of biochemical and cellular assay formats.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to forge productive relationships and collaborations both internally and externally.
• Project management experience is a plus.

WHAT WE CURRENTLY OFFER

• People: We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people.
• Creativity: We offer an innovative and creative environment.
• Development: We support the individual development of our employees.
• Fun: From time-to-time we organise cool off-site summer and winter team events.
• Offices: Our well-equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early-stage start-ups in Basel.
• Commuter Benefits: We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution.
• Flexible Working: We support flexible working as appropriate.
• Christmas Closure: In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year.
• Birthday Retreat: On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off.
• Food: We like get-togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge.
• Coffee: Meet up with your colleagues and grab free coffee.

To apply, please submit your completed application form along with your CV, cover letter, and reference letters (Arbeitszeugnisse).