Senior Scientist, Biochemistry

Lindonlight; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Lindonlight seeks a Senior Scientist, Biochemistry to lead biochemistry strategy, develop assays, and drive HTS campaigns for pediatric brain tumor targets. You will work with CROs, optimize assay robustness, and contribute to lead progression with kinase-focused assays.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 3+ years in industry, strong communication, and cross-functional collaboration across chemistry, biology, and project teams. Hybrid schedule in Cambridge, MA is offered, with some travel.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmacology, or related field with 3+ years industry experience.
• Experience developing and optimizing biochemical assays, kinase formats (ADP-Glo, TR-FRET, radiometric, fluorescence polarization, luminescence).
• Experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting HTS campaigns (hit identification/triage).
• Proficiency in HTS data analysis and statistics (Z'-factor, SSMD, CV).
• Experience managing external CROs and integrating data into programs.
• Strong understanding of enzyme kinetics and mechanism of action studies.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute the biochemistry strategy for projects.
• Develop and validate biochemical assays for HTS and SAR support.
• Plan and run HTS campaigns including screens and counterscreens.
• Analyze HTS/assay data, generate reports, present findings to teams.
• Troubleshoot assay performance and improve throughput and robustness.
• Collaborate with CROs and internal teams; ensure compliant documentation.

Skills

Biochemistry

HTS data analysis

CRO management

Enzyme kinetics

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Kinase assay design

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry or related field

Tools

CDD Vault

Spotfire

ADP-Glo

TR-FRET

Fluorescence polarization

Job description

Lindonlight is dedicated to the discovery and development of transformative therapies for pediatric brain tumors. The organization operates as an integrated ecosystem comprised of the Lindonlight Foundation, Lindonlight Collective, and Lindonlight Bio. Within this ecosystem, Lindonlight Bio is focused on developing promising therapeutics for pediatric glioma.

Position Summary

Lindonlight is seeking a Senior Scientist, Biochemistry to collaborate with project teams to execute high throughput screening campaigns, develop biochemical assays, and elucidate the mechanism-of-action of small molecules. The scientist in this position will work closely with CROs troubleshoot assay performance issues and drive continuous improvement of assay robustness, reproducibility, and throughput.

Responsibilities and Opportunities

• Design and execute the biochemistry strategy for one or more projects
• Design, develop, and validate biochemical assays (with an emphasis on kinase targets e.g., ADP-Glo, TR-FRET, fluorescence polarization, luminescence) suitable for high throughput screening and downstream SAR support
• Plan and execute high throughput screening campaigns, including primary screens, dose-response confirmation, and counter-screens
• Analyze and interpret HTS and assay data, generate reports, and present findings to project teams and leadership to guide compound progression decisions
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues and drive continuous improvement of assay robustness, reproducibility, and throughput
• Stay current with emerging assay technologies and screening methodologies relevant to kinase drug discovery
• Expand our capabilities and serve as a trusted expert in Biochemistry.

Drug Discovery Collaboration

• Serve as primary point of contact for CRO partnerships supporting assay development, screening, and mechanistic biochemistry studies, including vendor selection
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, structural biology, and biology teams to support hit finding, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization efforts
• Maintain detailed, compliant documentation of experimental protocols, data, and CRO deliverables

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing biochemical assays, with a strong preference for kinase assay formats (e.g., ADP-Glo, TR-FRET, radiometric, fluorescence polarization, luminescence, mobility shift)
• Experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting high throughput screening (HTS) campaigns, including hit identification and triage
• Proficiency in HTS data analysis, including familiarity with statistical methods (Z'-factor, SSMD, CV) and software tools (e.g., CDD Vault, Spotfire, or equivalent)
• Experience managing external CROs, overseeing data quality, and integrating outsourced data into internal programs
• Strong understanding of enzyme kinetics and mechanism of action studies (e.g., IC50/Ki determination, mode of inhibition)
• Experience with covalent drug discovery approaches, including assay considerations for irreversible inhibitors (e.g., time-dependent inhibition kinetics, kinact/Ki determination, warhead reactivity assessment) a plus
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to present data cross-functionally to chemistry, biology, and project teams
• Track record of contributing to drug discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization, evidenced by publications, patents, or internal program contributions

Additional Information

• Reports to: Program Director
• Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid schedule, 2-3 days on-site
• Schedule: Monday to Friday; flexibility outside of standard business hours as needed
• Work Hours: Requires flexibility to accommodate meetings and collaborations across U.S. and European time zones.
• Location: Cambridge, MA [Kendall Square]
• Travel: Approximately 10-15% | Includes one week of monthly travel to Houston and occasional travel for scientific meetings or partnership engagements.
• Compensation: Expected base salary range: $130,000 - $190,000

Final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, and overall fit for the position.

• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off

Lindonlight is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.