Associate Research Scientist

Planet Pharma; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in Alameda is seeking a scientist to conceptualize, develop, optimize and execute biophysical and biochemical assays to support hit identification and validation in early-stage small molecule drug discovery. You will develop automated HTS assays in 96-, 384-, and 1536-well formats to advance programs toward nomination of development candidates.

The role requires hands-on experience with SPR, HTS workflows, and diverse assay platforms, plus the ability to collaborate across teams

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with biophysical and biochemical assay technologies relevant to small molecule discovery.
• Thorough knowledge of SPR for characterizing protein targets.
• Experience developing HTS workflows and screening campaigns.
• Experience with 1536- and 384-well plate formats.
• Experience using automation equipment in the lab.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and execute HTS biochemical/biophysical assays.
• Design and execute HTS campaigns and MoA studies.
• Nominate and implement new technologies and protocols.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and present data to leaders.

Skills

Biophysical assays

HTS assay development

MoA studies

Automation in the lab

Cross-functional collaboration

Data interpretation

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Associate’s degree in related discipline

High School Diploma/GED + 9 years experience

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)

HTS platforms

Laboratory automation equipment

Job description

Target PR Range: 31-41/hr DOE

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

The candidate is responsible forconceptualization, development, optimization and execution of biophysical and biochemical assays to support hit identification and validation efforts in early-stage small molecule drug discovery projects. This scientist is also responsible for the development of automated High-Throughput Screening (HTS) biochemical (1536-well plate) and/or biophysical assays to profile compound mechanism of action (96-and 384-well plate formats) toadvance research programs from discovery to development candidate nomination.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently develop, optimize and execute small molecule compound profiling and HTS biochemical and biophysical assays
• Consistently contribute to the design, planning, and execution of HTS campaigns and mechanism of action (MoA) studies
• Independently nominates, evaluates, and implements new technologies, protocols, and workflows to support projects from hit finding, hit validation, to lead optimization stages, as well as MoA studies
• Collaborates with internal groups and departments to discuss and resolve project and/or department needs

oPresents data and reports on project status to department head/manager and at discovery project and research meetings

oCommunicates scientific results to manager, department, and project team partners and/or collaborators

• Maintains laboratory notebook in a complete, consistent, and concise manner in accordance with company intellectual property policies and practices
• Comply with company health and safety policies and general laboratory practices
• Other responsibilities, as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No immediate supervisory responsibilities

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline + five years of related experience; or
• Associate’s degree in related discipline + seven years of related experience
• High School Diploma/GED + nine years of related experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Expected Experience:

• Hands-on experience with variety of biophysical and biochemical assay technologies relevant to small molecule drug discovery is required
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques to discover and characterize small molecule-protein target complexes is highly desired
• Thorough knowledge of assay development for HTS applications, designing workflows, managing, and executing screening campaigns is required
• Significant experience in developing both biophysical and biochemical assays in 1536- and 384-well plate formats is required
• Hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory automation equipment (e.g. liquid handlers, dispensers, readers) is a strong plus

Additional Knowledge/Skills:

• Broad understanding of biophysical (SPR, MST, NanoDSF, BLI, thermal shift assays, etc.) and biochemical assays (HTRF, AlphaLISA, Lumit, MSD, ELISA, FP, GLO, etc.) as well as the detection technologies used in their execution
• Working knowledge to apply a variety of cutting-edge automation tools to enable biophysical and biochemical assay development and execution
• Remains current with relevant scientific literature and advancements in lab technologies and new drug discovery technologies/methodologies and suggests their implementation
• Experience characterizing small molecule heterobifunctional degraders and/or molecular glues is a plus
• In discussion with manager, sets goals with understanding of priority and impact to projects, the department, and organization. Solid understanding of how individual experiments fit within a larger discovery project
• Ability to collaborate with a cross-functional team on extremely complex problems
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced dynamic environment while delivering high quality work
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Environment: primarily working in laboratory
• Travel not required