Principal Scientist - BioPharma LBA

KCAS Bio; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

KCAS Bio, a Kansas City-based contract research organization, seeks a Principal Scientist to lead bioanalytical validations and biostudies across ADA, PK, Biomarker and Nab assays. You will supervise staff, interpret data, and deliver high-quality reports for Sponsors, integrating subcontractor work as needed.

You will guide method development and validation, stay current with GLPs and industry practices, and provide technical leadership within the BioPharma services team while mentoring

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of experience in contract research, academia, or pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience designing, planning, and executing bioanalytical assays (ADA, PK, Biomarker, Nab).
• Proficient with immunoassay platforms (ELISA, MSD, Luminex).
• Experience in validation, experimental design, troubleshooting, and method development.

Responsibilities

• Function independently as a Principal Scientist and technical expert in bioanalytical validations and biostudies.
• Provide oversight of the laboratory and mentor research staff in protocol interpretation, method development and refinement, study-related problem resolution, and technique validation.
• Independently review, interpret, analyze, evaluate, and discuss study results with research staff and Sponsors.
• Prepare high-quality final reports appropriate for the study, including integration of subcontractor reports into final reports as required.
• Supervise research and scientific staff within the function.

Skills

Bioanalytical validations

Biostudies

GLPs

Method development

Data interpretation

Project supervision

Tools

LC-MS

Flow cytometry

Luminex

ELISA

MSD

Job description

Performing critical work that impacts our industry and our world’s health while problem solving and innovating in the field – that is what Principal Scientists at KCAS Bio get to do every day. If that gets you excited too, then maybe working as a Principal Scientist at KCAS Bio is the role for you.

As a Principal Scientist on the KCAS BioPharma services team, you get to further our mission as a core technical expert in quantifying proteins and anti-drug antibodies.You will provide oversight in the areas of early drug discovery, preclinical toxicology work, and clinical studies, including multiplexing by LBA (ligand binding assays) platforms, LCMS (liquidchromatography mass spectrometry), and flow cytometry.

In this role, we will rely on you to:

• Function independently as a Principal Scientist and technical expert in the direction and execution of bioanalytical validations and biostudies as required.
• Provide oversight of the laboratory and mentor research staff in areas such as protocol interpretation, method developmentand refinement, study-related problem resolution, and technique validation, as well as providing scientific expertise in study design, conduct, and interpretation.
• Independently review, interpret, analyze, evaluate, and discuss study results with research staff and Sponsors.
• Prepare high-quality final reports appropriate for the study, including integration of supporting subcontractor(s)’ reports into final reports as required.
• Supervise research and scientific staff within the function.
• Direct activities of assigned group(s), to ensure effective performance of function.
• Review protocols, reports, and scientific documents of direct reports as required.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership within the designated business unit to resolve analytical challenges in a timely fashion, and to evaluate new technologies for potential integration into theexisting portfolio of services.
• Provide direct daily supervision and review the work of assigned departmental employees, to ensure scientific accuracy and adherence to departmental policies, practices, and procedures. Schedule and prioritize direct reports' workload.
• Ensure effective communication within departmental groups, to provide overlap of diverse expertise. Implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, and maintain state-of-the-art practices.
• Monitor and increase the technical performance and expertise of departmental direct reports through coaching and mentoring. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews; review and approve salary appraisals initiated by direct reports.
• Attend scientific meetings, conferences, and training courses to enhance job and professional skills. Present abstracts/posters at national meetings, when appropriate, to maintain a scientific presence and visibility in areas of individual expertise.
• Ensure that reports, raw data specimens, and supporting study documentation are transferred to the archives at the close of each study.
• Ensure effective communication within departmental groups to provide expertise in Sponsor calls, presentation materials, and pricing information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

To qualify specifically for this role, you will have:

• At least six years of relevant experience within contract research, academic or pharmaceutical industry, including expertise in the core competencies of validation and bioanalysis of study samples. Also requires a full understanding of GLPs, and departmental/company SOPs.
• Experience designing, planning, and executing bioanalytical assays (ADA, PK, Biomarker and Nab), method development and validation.
• Proficient in using common immunoassay platforms (ELISA, MSD, Luminex, etc.)
• Experience designing complex experiments & evaluating outcome vs. regulatory guidelines, white papers, and current industry practices.
• Experience troubleshooting problems and actively participating in the life cycle management of assays.
• Ability to manage multiple moderate to highly complex projects, prioritizes work, and meets deadlines.
• Capable of anticipating and recognizing potential problems within programs and effectively communicate alternatives to clients in a meaningful fashion.
• Must have proven record of delivering quality service to customers on time and on budget.
• Expert knowledge of applicable lab techniques.
• Familiarity with current industry trends and expectations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with validation, experimental design, troubleshooting, and method development as required by department.

(Please note this is a representative summary of responsibilities, not a comprehensive or exclusive list of the duties to be performed in any position. Employees must follow instructions and perform additional duties as requested.)

WHO YOU ARE

You will thrive at KCAS Bio if you enjoy a relational environment, are purpose- and values-driven, embrace constant development and supportive leadership, and enjoy being part of innovative work.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

Our benefits include, and extend beyond, the traditional package. At KCAS Bio, you will enjoy company sponsored events like food trucks, family days and spirit days.You will grow in your career with KCAS University.You will be able to connect with like-minded employees to further KCAS Bio's approach to key areas such as wellness, inclusion, and community outreach.You will engage as an owner in our stock ownership program. You will have access to the latest technology. And you will be able to invest in the community with paid time off to volunteer.

Learn more about the Benefits at KCAS Bio

WHO WE ARE

We are a fast-growing contract research organization (CRO) headquartered in Kansas City, pioneering the latest drug development in both human and animal health fields.Demand for our expertise is growing and so is our need for great people to work in nimble, empowered teams committed to one another’s growth. At KCAS Bio, we advance both great science AND great people.

Learn more about what it is like to work at KCAS Bio

KCAS Bio is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Among other things, we provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected category; we recruit qualified candidates without regard to citizenship status based on internal processes that enable us to hire the right candidates consistent with the appropriate U.S. Immigration framework; and (3) we work with and provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Anyone who needs reasonable accommodation may send an email to [e-mail] or call 913-248-3000 (for TTY assistance call 711) and ask for Human Resources.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.