Senior Scientist

Sotalent; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotalent in Cambridge, MA is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join Discovery Automation and Robotics. You will design, implement, and operate high-throughput in vitro ADME assays bridging traditional ADME with automation technology.

Responsibilities include leading automation initiatives, mentoring junior staff, driving miniaturization for throughput and cost efficiency, and collaborating with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and data science teams to support discovery programs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field with at least 3 years of experience.
• Experience with ADME method development and validation.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory robotics and automated liquid handling platforms.
• Experience in a service-oriented environment (CRO or centralized resource).
• Proven track record in miniaturizing assays for high-throughput settings.
• Familiarity with LIMS, ELN, and data visualization software.
• Understanding of how ADME data links to discovery cycles and PK/PD modeling.
• Experience supporting both small and large molecule programs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive suite of in vitro ADME assays including metabolic stability, physiochemical characterization, permeability, and protein binding.
• Lead laboratory automation initiatives by integrating liquid handlers, robotic arms, and plate readers into end-to-end workflows.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates to ensure operational excellence and scientific rigor.
• Drive assay miniaturization projects to improve throughput and reduce costs without sacrificing data quality.
• Collaborate across functions with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and data science teams to ensure assay outputs support discovery programs and machine learning initiatives.
• Oversee data integrity and manage KPIs related to cycle time, capacity, and reproducibility.
• Manage the entire assay lifecycle from initial validation through to high volume production.

Skills

ADME method development

laboratory automation

data visualization software

mentoring

cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Biochemistry/Pharmacology (or related)

Master degree (with 9+ years)

Bachelor degree (with 11+ years)

Tools

Laboratory robotics

Automated liquid handling platforms

LIMS/ELN familiarity

Plate readers

Job description

Our client, a leading global biopharmaceutical innovator, is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join their Discovery Automation and Robotics department in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This is a high impact role within a newly created team focused on building next generation laboratory capabilities for drug discovery.

The successful candidate will lead the design, implementation, and operation of high throughput in vitro ADME assays. This role sits at the intersection of laboratory robotics and drug metabolism science, requiring a professional who can bridge the gap between traditional ADME principles and advanced automation technology.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive suite of in vitro ADME assays including metabolic stability, physiochemical characterization, permeability, and protein binding.
• Lead laboratory automation initiatives by integrating liquid handlers, robotic arms, and plate readers into end to end workflows.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates to ensure operational excellence and scientific rigor.
• Drive assay miniaturization projects to improve throughput and reduce costs without sacrificing data quality.
• Collaborate across functions with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and data science teams to ensure assay outputs support discovery programs and machine learning initiatives.
• Oversee data integrity and manage key performance indicators related to cycle time, capacity, and reproducibility.
• Manage the entire assay lifecycle from initial validation through to high volume production.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field with at least 3 years of experience. Candidates with a Master degree and 9 years of experience or a Bachelor degree and 11 years of experience will also be considered.
• Deep technical expertise in ADME method development and validation.
• Hands on experience with laboratory robotics and automated liquid handling platforms.
• Previous experience in a service oriented environment, such as a CRO or an internal centralized resource group.
• Proven track record of optimizing and miniaturizing assays for high throughput settings.
• Familiarity with LIMS, ELN, and data visualization software.
• Strong understanding of how ADME data integrates into larger discovery cycles and PK/PD modeling.
• Experience supporting both small molecule and large molecule programs is highly desirable.

This is a full time, exempt position offering a competitive salary range of 137,000 to 215,270 USD depending on experience and qualifications. Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.