Lead Discovery Research Associate II – 6-Mo Contract

Neomorph, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 114,616,000 - 157,597,000; Full time

Job summary

Neomorph, Inc. is seeking a Research Associate II to support Lead Discovery activities in a fast-paced drug discovery setting.

The role focuses on routine cell-based assays, SAR campaigns, hit confirmation, and assay optimization, with a strong foundation in mammalian cell culture. Responsibilities include handling cell lines, performing luminescence readouts, assay miniaturization for 384- and 1536-well screens, and coordinating with multiple teams to ensure timely, high-quality data delivery.

Qualifications

• BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or related field with 2+ years of lab experience, or MS in related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays.
• Ability to manage multiple cell lines, experiments, and assay timelines with attention to detail.
• Experience with quantitative cell-based readouts such as luminescence or fluorescence.
• Understanding of assay quality and screening metrics (S/B, CV, Z', concentration-response).
• Ability to investigate unexpected results and communicate issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine cell-based assays to support SAR, primary screening, hit confirmation, and lead discovery activities.
• Culture, maintain, expand, and bank mammalian cell lines and monitor health for screening readiness.
• Execute cell-based screening assays using luminescence readouts (Bright-Glo, HiBiT, CellTiter-Glo).
• Support assay setup, optimization, miniaturization for 384- and 1536-well formats.
• Operate automation and screening instrumentation for dispensing, transfer, plate handling and detection.
• Generate assay-ready plates and coordinate with Compound Management for materials.
• Perform routine data QC, review plate performance, and troubleshoot issues like variability or errors.
• Analyze results using Excel, GraphPad Prism, and other data systems; document metadata and deviations.
• Maintain electronic lab notebooks and screening trackers with accurate records.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell-based assays

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

GraphPad Prism

CDD

Job description

Neomorph, Inc. is seeking a Research Associate II to support Lead Discovery activities in a fast-paced drug discovery setting.

The role focuses on routine cell-based assays, SAR campaigns, hit confirmation, and assay optimization, with a strong foundation in mammalian cell culture. Responsibilities include handling cell lines, performing luminescence readouts, assay miniaturization for 384- and 1536-well screens, and coordinating with multiple teams to ensure timely, high-quality data delivery.