Oncology Drug Discovery Scientist: Cell-Based Assays (6Mo)

The Fountain Group; Middleborough (MA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 97,000; Part time

Job summary

The Fountain Group is seeking a lab-based Biologist for a 6-month contract onsite in Cambridge, MA. The role focuses on supporting small molecule drug discovery programs within Oncology, designing and executing experiments, and generating data to understand MOA and biomarker signals.

Responsibilities include developing cell-based assays, validating targets in preclinical models, and collaborating across disciplines to advance promising candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology or a relevant scientific field with 4-6 years post‑graduation research experience, or PhD with 2+ years post‑graduation research experience.
• Strong understanding of MOA and cellular responses to drug treatment.
• Hands‑on experience developing, performing, and troubleshooting cell-based assays.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation in a laboratory research environment.
• Familiarity with molecular and cellular biology techniques such as Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and high-content imaging.
• Experience working with cell lines, 2D/3D cell culture systems, or organoids is highly relevant.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists across multiple disciplines and communicate scientific findings clearly.
• Experience in oncology research or small molecule drug discovery is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to investigate compound MOA, evaluate biological responses, and identify potential biomarkers.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot cell-based phenotypic assays (2D/3D culture, clonogenic formats).
• Utilize techniques such as Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and high-content imaging to support studies.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret data to understand compound behavior and targets in oncology.
• Present findings and communicate results with cross-functional project teams to support oncology programs.

Skills

MOA understanding

Cell-based assays

Experimental design

Data interpretation

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor/Master in biology or related

PhD with 2+ years experience

Tools

Western blotting

ELISA

Flow cytometry

RT-PCR

High-content imaging

Job description

The Fountain Group is seeking a lab-based Biologist for a 6-month contract onsite in Cambridge, MA. The role focuses on supporting small molecule drug discovery programs within Oncology, designing and executing experiments, and generating data to understand MOA and biomarker signals.

Responsibilities include developing cell-based assays, validating targets in preclinical models, and collaborating across disciplines to advance promising candidates.