Principal Scientist, Site Based, Princeton, NJ

Evotec WD; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Medical, Dental and Vision coverage

401k company match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Evotec is seeking a Principal Scientist in Princeton, NJ to lead protein reagent programs, design experiments, and ensure high-quality data. You’ll mentor scientists, develop new approaches, and help drive strategic initiatives across the Protein Sciences portfolio.

The role offers on-site work at Princeton with opportunities to engage customers, publish results, and contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery while advancing Evotec’s scientific leadership.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of protein biochemistry.
• Ability to design and deliver protein reagents within timelines and budget.
• Experience leading protein reagent projects and partnering with key accounts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as scientific lead for protein reagent support across early discovery programs.
• Design experimental strategies, review docs, analyze data, and present findings.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentor Protein Sciences team members.
• Develop innovative experimental approaches and new technologies.
• Represent Evotec at conferences and collaborate with BD teams.

Skills

Protein Biochemistry

Project leadership

Data analysis

Client communication

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Protein Sciences

Bachelor’s or Master’s with industry experience

Job description

Job Title: Principal Scientist

Location: On-site / Princeton, NJ (USA)

Reports To: Group Leader Protein Sciences

About Us

this is who we are At Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged—it’s celebrated. Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper? #BeCureious with us and see where your curiosity can take you!

Role Description

We’re looking for a passionate and curious Principal Scientist to join our team. If you’re excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories. As a Principal Scientist at Evotec, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It’s a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the scientific lead for protein reagent support across key account early drug discovery programs, managing multiple projects and standalone deliverables simultaneously while ensuring high-quality outcomes and customer satisfaction.
• Partner with project stakeholders to design experimental strategies, review technical documentation, analyze complex datasets, and present findings to clients.
• Ensure rigorous scientific evaluation and data quality prior to reagent release to internal and external customers.
• Deliver expert scientific guidance on experimental design, technology selection, and problem-solving to maximize project success and efficiency.
• Provide scientific leadership across project portfolios and capability areas, mentoring and coaching Protein Sciences team members while fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Develop and implement innovative experimental approaches and novel technologies to address challenging scientific objectives, advance platform capabilities, and accelerate project delivery.
• Lead the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of standalone scientific services and customer-facing deliverables, ensuring alignment with market needs and organizational goals.
• Contribute to customer engagement activities, including the preparation of scientific proposals, project scoping, and evaluation of new business opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate with Business Development teams to support growth initiatives, strengthen client relationships, and expand the project opportunity pipeline.
• Represent Evotec at scientific and industry conferences, workshops, and networking events, enhancing the company's visibility, reputation, and thought leadership within the biologics and drug discovery communities.
• Drive scientific excellence through presentations, publications, and external collaborations, contributing to the advancement of the field while strengthening both personal and organizational credibility.
• Act as a recognized subject matter expert, influencing scientific strategy, technology adoption, and best practices across the organization.

Who You Are

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Sciences) with at least 6 years of industry experience in drug discovery; or
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field with at least 8 years industry experience demonstrating increasing responsibility and impact in drug discovery.
• Strong technical knowledge of Protein Biochemistry with a proven ability to design and deliver protein reagents within agreed timelines and budget, meeting agreed quality criteria.
• Experience of leading protein reagent projects and building trusted partnership with Key Accounts.
• Track record of successful problem-solving, high-quality science and influencing of stakeholders, particularly in a drug project context.
• Strong understanding of the drug discovery process and how Protein Reagents impact
• Experience of scientific development and research work ideally with publications in a relevant scientific field.

Why Join Us

• Growth Opportunities: We’re a company that believes in continuous learning and development. Whether it’s professional courses, mentorship, or new projects, we’ll help you grow.
• Flexible Work Environment: We offer flexible work options to help you balance your professional and personal life. THis is a site based role.
• Inclusive Culture: We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued, and curiosity is encouraged.
• Innovative Projects: You’ll have the chance to work on groundbreaking initiatives and cutting-edge technology in an atmosphere where your curiosity is the key to success.
• A Place for Big Ideas: We don’t just talk about thinking outside the box—we throw the box away. If you’ve got ideas, we want to hear them.

So, what are you waiting for? We can’t wait to see where your curiosity leads you—and how it will shape the future of Evotec.

Let your curiosity guide your career—#BeCurious and explore the endless possibilities at Evotec!

Compensation and Benefits

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be $140,000-$150,000. This is a salaried exempt role. Base salary offered may vary depending on the individual’s skills, experience and competitive market value.

• discretionary annual bonus
• comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision
• short-term and long-term disability
• company paid basic life insurance
• 401k company match
• generous paid time off and paid holiday
• wellness and transportation benefits

Equal Opportunity Employer

Evotec (US) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, age, disability, genetic information, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Company Overview

Evotec is a life science company with a unique business model that delivers on its mission to discover and develop highly effective therapeutics and make them available to the patients. The Company’s multimodality platform comprises a unique combination of innovative technologies, data and science for the discovery, development, and production of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products. Evotec leverages this Data-driven R&D Autobahn to Cures for proprietary projects and within a network of partners including all Top 20 Pharma and over 800 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, as well as other healthcare stakeholders. Evotec has strategic activities in a broad range of currently underserved therapeutic areas, including e.g. neurology, oncology, as well as metabolic and infectious diseases. Within these areas of expertise, Evotec aims to create the world-leading co-owned pipeline for innovative therapeutics and has to-date established a portfolio of more than 200 proprietary and co-owned R&D projects from early discovery to clinical development. Evotec operates globally with more than 5,000 highly qualified people. The Company’s 17 sites offer highly synergistic technologies and services and operate as complementary clusters of excellence.

Contact

For additional information please go to www.evotec.com and follow us on X/Twitter @Evotec and LinkedIn.