Research Scientist, Oncology Drug Discovery

Aequor; California; On-site; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Aequor in San Diego, CA is seeking a Research Scientist in Oncology Drug Discovery to join a multidisciplinary team. You will design and execute experiments, generate decision-enabling data, and translate findings from target validation to drug discovery.

This temporary role lasts approximately six months and offers opportunities to collaborate across discovery disciplines, contribute to translational studies, and work with automation-supported workflows in a vibrant research environment.

Qualifications

• BS in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related discipline.
• At least two years of wet-lab experience in an industry setting.
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture and genetic perturbation, protein biology, flow cytometry, or quantitative cellular assays.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and scientific reasoning.
• Record of publications, presentations, or other significant research contributions.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed, team-oriented environment and communicate across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, and document experiments addressing key questions in oncology drug discovery.
• Develop and apply cellular, molecular, biochemical, and translational assays to evaluate targets, mechanisms, biomarkers, and responses.
• Operate and troubleshoot automated workflows to support high-quality data generation.
• Collaborate with biology, chemistry, data science, pharmacology, and translational medicine teams to advance projects.
• Generate high-quality data and communicate conclusions, limitations, and next steps at meetings.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Experimental design

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

BS in molecular biology or related

Tools

Automation

CRISPR approaches

Job description

Job Title: Research Scientist, Oncology Drug Discovery

Location: San Diego, CA

Pay Rate: ***/Hour - ***/hour

About the Role

BR Oncology Drug Discovery aims to Client transformative cancer medicines by combining patient need, deep target biology, and the right therapeutic modalities. Its strategy emphasizes disease-area leadership, foundational cancer biology, and tailoring modalities to the specific patient, biology, and target. Translational insights, advanced technologies, and strong scientific collaboration are central to accelerating breakthroughs and maximizing patient impact.

We are seeking a highly motivated research scientist to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team focused on discovering and advancing innovative therapies for cancer patients. The successful candidate will design and execute rigorous experiments, generate decision-enabling data, and translate findings into testable hypotheses. This role offers the opportunity to work across discovery disciplines and contribute directly to oncology programs from target validation to drug discovery. This is a temporary position expected to last approximately six months.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, and document experiments that address key scientific questions in oncology drug discovery.
• Develop and apply relevant cellular, molecular, biochemical, and translational assays to evaluate targets, mechanisms of action, biomarkers, and therapeutic response.
• Operate, optimize, and troubleshoot workflows utilizing automated laboratory instruments to support scalable, reproducible data generation.
• Work closely with colleagues in biology, chemistry, data science, pharmacology, biomarker research, and translational medicine to advance project objectives.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible data and communicate conclusions, limitations, and recommended next steps at project-team meetings and broader scientific forums.
• Contribute to study strategy, experimental prioritization, and data-driven project decisions.
• Maintain current knowledge of cancer biology, and emerging therapeutic modalities within induced proximity.
• Promote a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• At least two years of wet-lab experience in an industry setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture and one or more areas such as genetic perturbation, protein biology, flow cytometry, or quantitative cellular assays.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and scientific reasoning skills.
• Record of scientific achievement demonstrated through publications, presentations, or other meaningful contributions to research programs.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed, team-oriented environment and communicate with colleagues from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting oncology drug-discovery programs in an industry setting.
• Proficiency with automation to execute high-throughput cellular assays.
• Demonstrated contributions to low-molecular-weight drug discovery programs.
• Knowledge of tumor dependencies, resistance mechanisms and/or biomarker discovery.
• Experience with CRISPR-based approaches and engineered cellular models.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, data visualization, and electronic laboratory documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to new scientific findings, and deliver against project timelines.

What You Will Bring

You are a curious, rigorous, and collaborative scientist who enjoys solving complex biological problems. You combine strong hands-on laboratory skills with sound scientific judgment, communicate openly, and use data to guide decisions. You are motivated by the opportunity to translate innovative science into meaningful therapies for patients.

Additional Information

This position may require routine work in a laboratory environment and adherence to applicable safety, quality, and compliance standards. Role level, title, and compensation will be aligned with the selected candidate's experience and the requirements of the position.