Scientist I

Motion Recruitment Partners LLC; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Motion Recruitment Partners LLC is seeking a Scientist I for an onsite role in South San Francisco within our Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology Department. The position focuses on developing and executing induced proximity-based assays to support drug discovery programs.

The candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary team, design assays, analyze data, and communicate findings to project teams, with opportunities to pioneer new proximity approaches in early-stage programs.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cellular/Molecular Biology or related field.
• 1–3 years hands-on lab experience in biotech/pharma or academia.
• Experience designing, validating and executing cellular/biochemical assays.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop biochemical and cell-based assays for protein interactions.
• Screen and validate leads to support identification and optimization.
• Analyze complex data sets and ensure quality and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with Pharmacology, Protein Science, Medicinal Chemistry and Research Biology.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to project teams.

Skills

Biochemistry

Biophysics

Cell biology

Assay development

Induced proximity assays

Data analysis (Prism, Python, R)

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

B.S./M.S. in Biochemistry/Biophysics/Cellular/Molecular Biology

Tools

Prism

Python

R

Job description

Title: Scientist I

Description: Working Model: onsite (five days a week)
Working days: Monday through Friday
Working hours (e.g. 8 AM to 4 PM PT, 9 AM to 5 PM, etc.): Standard 8 hours
Interview Format (e.g. 1-2 rounds of virtual interviews)
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist to join our Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology Department. This hands-on, laboratory-based role focuses on the development and execution of induced proximity-based assays crucial for the discovery and validation of novel therapeutic compounds. The successful candidate will work at the heart of a multi-disciplinary environment, translating experimental data into actionable insights for our drug discovery programs.
In this role, the candidate will have the unique opportunity to pioneer new induced-proximity approaches and help shape the scientific direction of early-stage drug-discovery programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Assay Development: Design and develop biochemical and cell-based assays for quantitative measurement of protein-protein and protein-small molecule interactions.
• Screening & Validation: Conduct routine screening and deep-dive validation studies to support lead identification and optimization.
• Data Analysis: Perform rigorous analysis of complex data sets, ensuring high quality and reproducibility.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with colleagues in Pharmacology, Protein Science, Medicinal Chemistry and Research Biology.
• Communication: Prepare technical reports and present findings clearly during multi-disciplinary project team meetings.

Education & Experience

• Degree: B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cellular/Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience: 1-3 years of hands-on laboratory experience within an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry setting.

Mandatory Skiils Requirements

• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, validating, and executing cellular and biochemical assays, supported by a strong theoretical and practical understanding of biochemistry and biophysics relevant to complex protein systems.
• Direct experience with induced proximity assays and modalities (molecular glues, bivalent degraders, ternary complexes and multicomponent binding systems).
• Proficiency with data analysis methods and specialized software. Ability to move beyond default vendor fits and analyze complex system behavior using Prism, Python, R or comparable tools.
• Proven ability to critically analyze and interpret complex data sets, troubleshoot experimental hurdles, and a proactive interest in adopting new technologies.

Preferred Technical Skills (Advantageous)

• Experience with protein biochemistry, recombinant protein expression and molecular biology methods (e.g. western blot, cell culture, cell growth assays).
• Experience with nanoBRET, nanoBiT, TR-FRET, BRET as well as imaging-based approaches.
• Familiarity with automated or semi-automated laboratory instrumentation (e.g., liquid handlers, plate washers).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and remain productive through shifting priorities or project changes.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a high-functioning, multi-disciplinary team.
• A proactive approach to troubleshooting and a keen interest in learning new technologies as project needs evolve.