Scientist II (Drug Discovery)

TalentCraft; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentCraft seeks a highly motivated scientist to support oncology drug discovery, focusing on developing cell-based functional assays and evaluating small molecule inhibitors to advance cancer therapeutics in a dynamic team.

Candidates will plan and execute experiments, analyze data, maintain notebooks, and communicate findings at meetings. Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, ELISA/AlphaLISA, and data analysis tools is essential.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in related discipline with 4+ years related experience; or MS/MA with 2+ years; or equivalent combo.
• Hands-on molecular and biochemical techniques (RNA, PCR, western blot, ELISA, fluorescent imaging) and mammalian cell culture experience highly desirable.
• Experience with drug discovery is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and perform research experiments to support oncology drug discovery programs.
• Analyze and interpret scientific data under general supervision.
• Maintain and operate scientific apparatus to perform research experiments.
• May develop new methodologies and laboratory protocols in conducting general research duties within assigned area of responsibility.
• Prepare and organize data for presentation; present data and reports at meetings.
• Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature relevant to the research experiments or program.
• Maintain laboratory notebook in accordance with IP policies.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.
• Adhere to EH&S safety rules and participate in safety training.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell viability assays

ELISA/AlphaLISA assays

Drug discovery experience

Data analysis & reporting

High-throughput screening

Education

BS/BA degree in related discipline

MS/MA degree in related discipline

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

GraphPad Prism

MS Excel

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

Job description

• Mammalian Cell Culture - Extensive hands-on experience maintaining and working with mammalian cell lines in a biotech or pharmaceutical drug discovery environment.
• Cellular / Viability Assays - Direct experience performing cell viability assays, routine screening assays, and evaluating compound activity.
• ELISA and/or AlphaLISA Assays - Experience performing, troubleshooting, and analyzing plate-based assays.
• Drug Discovery Experience - Prior experience supporting small-molecule drug discovery programs is required.
• Data Analysis & Reporting - Ability to analyze experimental results, generate dose-response curves, and communicate findings effectively.

Strong Plus:

• Experience with high-throughput or routine screening workflows

Job Description

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, comfortable in a dynamic and energetic team-based environment, and passionate about discovering new cancer therapeutics. This role involves development of cell-based functional assays, and evaluation of small molecule inhibitors in those assays to support oncology drug discovery projects. This job requires reliable execution of experiments, interpretation and analysis of data, and problem solving. The ideal candidate will have good lab practices and be able to multi-task. The candidate must have good organizational skills, communication, and teamwork skills as well as flexibility and versatility to meet tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works independently to plan, design, and perform research experiments to support oncology drug discovery programs.
• Analyzes and interprets scientific data under general supervision.
• Maintains and operates scientific apparatus to perform research experiments.
• May develop new methodologies and laboratory protocols in conducting general research duties within assigned area of responsibility.
• Prepares and organizes data for presentation. Presents data and reports on project status at individual, group, and departmental research meetings.
• Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature relevant to the research experiments or program.
• Maintains laboratory notebook in a complete, consistent, and concise manner in accordance with company intellectual property policies and practices.
• Other responsibilities as assigned
• Adheres to good health and safety practices and compliance with applicable EH&S safety rules and participates in mandatory safety training programs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Education:

• BS/BA degree in related discipline and a minimum of four years of related experience; or,
• MS/MA degree in related discipline and a minimum of two years of related experience; or,
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Extensive hands-on experience with basic molecular and biochemical techniques (RNA, PCR, western blot, ELISA, fluorescent imaging) and cell biology techniques (mammalian cell culture, phenotypic assays) are highly desirable.
• Proficient in use of GraphPad Prism and MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Drug discovery experiences are highly desirable.
• Computer proficiency including MS Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Excel required.

Knowledge/Skills:

• General knowledge of cellular, biochemical, and molecular techniques, theories, and practices.
• General understanding of how the individual experiments fit within a larger research program to meet organizational goals.
• General understanding and application of scientific principles, theories, and concepts in field of specialty and other related disciplines.
• Complete understanding of the goals of the experiments and how they fit into the overall program.
• Applies extensive scientific and technical expertise in area of specialty.
• Ability to effectively capture data and results.
• Strong communication skills, excellent work ethics, self-motivated and work effectively both in a team environment and independently.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Environment: primarily working in laboratories or in office
• Exposures encountered, such as hazardous materials, extreme cold.