Sr. Scientist, Assay Development & Cell Engineering

Psivant Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead innovative drug discovery initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will develop and execute cutting-edge assays focused on protein-protein interactions, contributing to the advancement of small molecule drug discovery. Your expertise in cell engineering and imaging techniques will be crucial in designing customized cell lines and analyzing receptor dynamics. Join a collaborative environment that values scientific rigor and fosters innovation, where your contributions will directly impact the success of meaningful therapeutic programs. If you are passionate about driving scientific excellence and making a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in PPI assay development and execution.
• Expertise in cell engineering and imaging techniques.
• Strong communication and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute biochemical and cellular PPI assays.
• Design customized cell lines and proteins for drug discovery.
• Utilize imaging techniques to analyze receptor dynamics.

Skills

PPI Assay Development

Cell Engineering

Imaging Techniques

Fluorescence Microscopy

Experimental Design

Communication Skills

Time Management

Education

PhD in Cell Biology or Biochemistry

MSc with 10+ years of experience

Tools

alphaLISA

NanoBiT

ELISA

HTRF

Image Analysis Software

Job description

Psivant Therapeutics

is seeking a highly motivated, versatile, and experienced Senior Scientist to join our growing team and lead through the bench. This individual will play a critical role in devising, developing, and executing assays to support drug discovery programs focused on modulating protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PPI assay development, cell engineering, and imaging techniques, with a passion for scientific rigor, a collaborative approach, and a proven track record in small molecule drug discovery.

Responsibilities

1. PPI Assay Development & Execution:
   • Independently develop, optimize, and execute various biochemical and cellular PPI assays including alphaLISA, NanoBiT, ELISA, HTRF, and cell binding assays
   • Articulate scientific rationale and select appropriate assays based on project needs
   • Independently troubleshoot assay performance issues and survey literature for novel technological solutions to impact projects in a timely manner
2. Cell Engineering:
   • Design and generate customized cell lines and proteins to study cell binding, receptor-ligand interactions, and cell-signaling pathways
   • Independently design genetic constructs and engineer cells using techniques such as transfection and viral transduction
   • Develop and characterize reporter cell lines for evaluating compound activity
3. Receptor Membrane Dynamics:
   • Utilize imaging techniques (e.g., fluorescence microscopy) to characterize receptor expression and dynamics in engineered cell lines
   • Analyze and interpret imaging data to understand the impact of receptor localization on ligand binding and drug activity
4. Leadership and Scientific Excellence:
   • Cultivate a collaborative lab environment by training colleagues, promoting best practices, and exemplifying scientific rigor
   • Maintain meticulous records and adhere to high laboratory standards, including assay automation, reagent QC, and assay validation
   • Communicate data to diverse audiences spanning junior scientists to senior leaders
5. Contribute to Drug Discovery:
   • Apply expertise to advance small molecule drug discovery programs
   • Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines
   • Proactively identify and address challenges, demonstrating a high degree of ownership and a drive for success

Qualifications

• PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience or MSc with 10+ years of experience, preferably with 2+ years in Immunology and Inflammation drug discovery
• Extensive hands-on experience with a variety of PPI assays (alphaLISA, NanoBiT, NanoBRET, ELISA, HTRF, cell binding)
• Proven expertise in cell engineering techniques, including genetic construct design, transfection, and viral transduction
• Experience with imaging techniques (e.g., fluorescence microscopy) and image analysis software
• Strong understanding of methods to interrogate receptor biology and cell signaling pathways
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to effectively organize and manage time
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and with a high degree of ownership

Psivant Therapeutics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual is respected and valued. We recognize that diversity fuels innovation and enhances our capacity to achieve meaningful outcomes through our work. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations, ensuring that all employees and qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.