Assay Development Scientist |

Vibrant Wellness; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibrant America in California is seeking an Assay Development Scientist (Peptide Lab) to design and optimize high-throughput assays for drug discovery. You will lead binding studies, GPCR profiling, and data analysis to support robust biochemical and cell-based screening.

The role requires Ph.D. or MS with extensive biotech experience, proficiency with HTS platforms, and collaboration with chemistry and automation teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 3+ years biotech/pharma industry experience or MS with 7+ years of experience.
• Binding assay expertise with filtration-based or SPA radioligand binding assays.
• GPCR profiling with cAMP and beta-arrestin recruitment assays (e.g., Tango, PathHunter).
• Instrumentation proficiency with microplate readers (SpectraMax, PHERAstar) and homogeneous TR-FRET assays.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and optimize robust HTS cAMP, characterization, and optimization assays.
• Conduct novel binding assays including filtration-based and SPA radioligand binding assays.
• Apply TR-FRET, luminescence, and mass spectrometry to enzymes and protein interactions.
• Perform functional cell-based stability and activity assays.

Skills

Binding assay expertise

GPCR profiling

Instrumentation

Cell line engineering

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or related field

MS with 7+ years of relevant experience

Tools

Molecular Devices SpectraMax

PHERAstar

TR-FRET

Job description

Vibrant America is a leading clinical diagnostics laboratory dedicated to transforming healthcare through advanced testing, innovative technology, and data-driven insights. The company specializes in functional medicine and multi-omics testing, offering comprehensive panels that support personalized patient care.

Our Vision

At Vibrant America, our vision is to empower healthcare providers and patients with actionable insights that drive better health outcomes. By integrating cutting-edge science, automation, and analytics, we aim to redefine preventive and personalized medicine.

About the Role:

Assay Development Scientist (Peptide Lab)

Position Type: Full-Time

Reason for opening: Additional Need

About the Company

Vibrant America is a leading clinical diagnostics laboratory dedicated to transforming healthcare through advanced testing, innovative technology, and data-driven insights. The company specializes in functional medicine and multi-omics testing, offering comprehensive panels that support personalized patient care.

Our Vision

At Vibrant America, our vision is to empower healthcare providers and patients with actionable insights that drive better health outcomes. By integrating cutting-edge science, automation, and analytics, we aim to redefine preventive and personalized medicine.

Position Summary

The Assay Development Scientist will independently design, optimize, and execute robust biochemical and cell-based assays within our Peptide Lab. This role focuses on high-throughput screening (HTS), GPCR functional profiling, and novel binding studies to support drug discovery.

• Assay Development: Independently design and optimize robust high-throughput screening (HTS) cAMP, characterization, and optimization assays.
• Binding Studies: Conduct novel binding assays, including filtration-based and SPA radioligand binding assays.
• Biochemical Screening: Apply TR-FRET, luminescence, and mass spectrometry across enzymes and protein-protein interactions.
• Cell-Based Assays: Perform functional cell-based stability and activity assays.
• Cell Culture: Grow, maintain, and prepare stable mammalian cell lines.
• Data Analysis: Execute dose-response fitting and statistical validation using GraphPad Prism or ActivityBase.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with chemistry and automation teams to streamline lab workflows.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 3+ years of biotech/pharma industry experience or MS with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Binding Assay Expertise: Proven hands-on experience with filtration-based or SPA radioligand binding assays.
• GPCR Profiling: Demonstrated experience with cAMP and beta-arrestin recruitment assays (e.g., Tango, PathHunter).
• Instrumentation: Proficiency with microplate readers (e.g., Molecular Devices SpectraMax, PHERAstar) and homogeneous assay formats (TR-FRET).
• Cell Line Engineering: Extensive experience generating stable mammalian cell lines for functional assays. Experience with Cell Culture and generation of stable cell lines is a must.
• Experience with GPCR expression in cells is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to guide, inspire, and lead multidisciplinary teams to exceed project goals.
• Critical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to solve complex scientific challenges.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills to convey technical data to diverse audiences.
• Adaptability: Agile mindset open to adopting new lab tools, technologies, and methods.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Mobility: Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods during the workday.
• Lifting: Ability to occasionally lift and carry lab equipment or materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Safety Protocols: Strict adherence to safety measures, including wearing lab coats, gowns, and required PPE for extended periods.
• Hazard Management: Safe handling of biohazard waste and chemical hazardous waste.
• Environment: Daily operations around ultra-low temperature storage units (4°C to -80°C).
• Schedule: Flexibility required to accommodate varying workloads and project deadlines.

California Regulatory Compliance Note

• Pay Transparency: To comply with California SB 1162, the base salary range for this position is $150,000 -$200,000K/Year final pay will be dependent on experience.