Sr Scientist – Biomarker Method Development

Kcasbio; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company events & activities

KCAS University

Stock ownership program

Access to latest technology

Volunteer time off

Job summary

KCAS Bio seeks a Sr. Scientist to advance biomarker method development using LBA platforms (ELISA, MSD) for bioanalytical testing across drug discovery and clinical studies.

You will design, optimize, and troubleshoot complex assays, evaluate performance, and support qualification/validation with a strong emphasis on data integrity and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Must have biomarker method development experience and assay troubleshooting ability.
• Demonstrated ability to design and optimize complex biomarker assays.
• Experience with regulatory/compliant bioanalytical method development.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, optimization of ligand binding assays for biomarker development.
• Independently evaluate assay performance and establish robust methods.
• Troubleshoot assay issues and identify root causes with scientific justification.
• Support method qualification, validation, and transfer activities.
• Communicate findings and risks to internal teams and clients.

Skills

Biomarker method development

LBA experience (ELISA/MSD)

Experiment design & troubleshooting

Data interpretation

Regulatory/compliant knowledge

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Biology/Biochemistry/Immunology or related field

Tools

ELISA

MSD

Immunoassay platforms

Job description

Performing critical work that impacts our industry and our world's health while problem solving and innovating in the field - that is what Sr. Scientists at KCAS Bio get to do every day. If that gets you excited too, then maybe working as a Sr. Scientist at KCAS Bio is the role for you.

When you work as a Sr. Scientist in the BioPharma Sciences group at KCAS, you get to further our mission by leveraging your knowledge in bioanalytical and scientific principles with a primary focus on biomarker method development. You will design, develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex bioanalytical methods while utilizing your strong base in scientific principles and theories to assess assay performance, data integrity, and scientific outcomes.

Our BioPharma Sciences team uses ligand binding assay (LBA) platforms to conduct bioanalytical testing in support of drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical studies, including the quantification of proteins, biomarkers, and anti‑drug antibodies in biological matrices using technologies such as ELISA, MSD, and other immunoassay‑based methods.

• Lead the design, development, optimization, and troubleshooting of ligand binding assays with a primary focus on biomarker method development
• Design experiments and independently evaluate assay performance to establish robust and scientifically appropriate methods
• Develop and optimize assay conditions, reagents, controls, and workflows to address complex biomarker method development challenges
• Apply strong scientific judgment to evaluate assay performance characteristics, including precision, accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity, specificity, and robustness
• Troubleshoot complex assay performance issues, identify root causes, and develop scientifically sound solutions
• Support method qualification, validation, and transfer activities as appropriate for the intended use of the assay
• Contribute scientific expertise to PK and immunogenicity/ADA method development activities as applicable
• Act as a technical expert and scientific resource for biomarker assay development, performance, troubleshooting, and problem solving
• Act as lead scientist, help design experiments, and provide work instructions and technical training to more junior scientific staff
• Review and interpret scientific data and communicate findings, recommendations, and potential risks to internal teams and clients
• Partner with clients and internal stakeholders to understand scientific objectives and translate those needs into appropriate bioanalytical strategies
• Prepare and review study documentation, data summaries, protocols, and reports as appropriate
• Work collaboratively with Quality Assurance and scientific teams to ensure activities are conducted in accordance with applicable protocols, SOPs, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Maintain knowledge of current scientific, technological, and regulatory developments relevant to biomarkers and ligand binding assay development
• Be responsible for timeline adherence and communication of status to management as required
• Perform all aspects of the job in a way that supports company brand and supports company mission, vision, and values

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related scientific field with at least 5 years of experience in a bioanalytical laboratory environment
• Demonstrated depth of experience in biomarker method development, including the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of biomarker assays
• Strong hands‑on experience with ligand binding assays (LBA), including ELISA, MSD, or similar immunoassay platforms
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, evaluate assay performance, troubleshoot complex technical challenges, and optimize assay conditions
• Strong understanding of assay performance characteristics, including precision, accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity, specificity, and robustness
• Experience with method development, qualification, and/or validation in a regulated bioanalytical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO environment
• Strong scientific judgment and the ability to interpret complex data and make recommendations based on experimental outcomes
• Experience working within established regulatory and quality frameworks applicable to bioanalytical method development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex scientific information to internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to less experienced scientific staff

• Experience developing PK ligand binding assays
• Experience developing immunogenicity/anti‑drug antibody (ADA) assays
• Experience working in a GLP‑regulated bioanalytical laboratory environment
• Experience interacting with Quality Assurance and supporting regulated studies, audits, or inspections
• Experience in a CRO environment
• Prior experience serving as a technical lead or scientific lead for assay development programs

(Please note this is a representative summary of responsibilities, not a comprehensive or exclusive list of the duties to be performed in any position. Employees must follow instructions and perform additional duties as requested.)

WHO YOU ARE

You will thrive at KCAS Bio if you enjoy a relational environment, are purpose- and values-driven, embrace constant development and supportive leadership, and enjoy being part of innovative work.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Our benefits include, and extend beyond, the traditional package. At KCAS Bio, you will enjoy company sponsored events like food trucks, family days and spirit days.You will grow in your career with KCAS University.You will be able to connect with like‑minded employees to further KCAS Bio's approach to key areas such as wellness, inclusion, and community outreach.You will engage as an owner in our stock ownership program. You will have access to the latest technology. And you will be able to invest in the community with paid time off to volunteer.

Learn more about the Benefits at KCAS Bio

WHO WE ARE

We are a fast‑growing contract research organization (CRO) headquartered in Kansas City, pioneering the latest drug development in both human and animal health fields.Demand for our expertise is growing and so is our need for great people to work in nimble, empowered teams committed to one another’s growth. At KCAS Bio, we advance both great science AND great people.

Learn more about what it is like to work at KCAS Bio

KCAS Bio is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Among other things, we provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected category; we recruit qualified candidates without regard to citizenship status based on internal processes that enable us to hire the right candidates consistent with the appropriate U.S. Immigration framework; and (3) we work with and provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Anyone who needs reasonable accommodation may send an email to [e-mail] or call 913-248-3000 (for TTY assistance call 711) and ask for Human Resources.