Sr. Scientist II, Cellular Assays

Eikon Therapeutics; Millbrae (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan with company matching

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Life/AD&D Insurance

Mental health and wellness benefits

Holiday shutdowns

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Eikon Therapeutics in Millbrae, CA is hiring a Senior Scientist II, Cellular Assays to lead development and optimization of cell-based assays supporting small molecule discovery. You will collaborate across biology, chemistry, automation, and computation teams to drive assay innovation and strategic direction.

You will mentor scientists, interpret complex data, and contribute to publications and presentations while advancing hit identification through lead optimization in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or related field with extensive industry experience in cell-based assay development.
• Experience independently leading assay strategies for small molecule drug discovery.
• Proven ability to analyze complex datasets and influence project direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization, troubleshooting, and execution of cell-based assays for small molecule programs.
• Design and execute assay strategies to profile compounds and characterize potency and selectivity.
• Ensure high-quality data through validation, QC, and documentation in LIMS.

Skills

Cell biology

HTS campaigns

LIMS experience

Data analysis

Mentoring

Education

PhD in biology

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Spotfire

Excel

LIMS

Job description

Eikon Therapeutics is a new biopharmaceutical company employing revolutionary technology at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, computation, and biology to discover novel treatments for life‑threatening diseases. Eikon’s discovery platform is built on groundbreaking innovations from its founders (Nobel Prize, 2014), culminating in the creation of microscopes which enable real time, molecular‑resolution measurements of protein movement in living cells, thereby unlocking otherwise intractable classes of proteins as drug targets.

Position

As a Senior Scientist II, Cellular Assays, at Eikon Therapeutics, you will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team of highly creative and talented scientists advancing the Company's drug discovery pipeline. You will lead the development, optimization, and execution of innovative cell‑based assays to support multiple small molecule drug discovery programs. You will play a key role on program core teams, influencing scientific strategy and driving experimental strategy to help advance multiple discovery programs from hit identification through lead optimization.

Working cross‑functionally with biology, chemistry, automation, engineering, and computational teams, you will apply deep scientific expertise to drive assay innovation, guide experimental direction, and mentor scientists across the organization.

About You

You are an accomplished cell biologist with demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing cell‑based assays within an industry drug discovery setting. You have a deep understanding of small molecule dose‑response testing with experience designing robust assay screening strategies and interpreting complex datasets. You possess deep technical expertise, exercise sound scientific judgment, and are known for solving complex problems with creativity and independence. You are highly collaborative and influence scientific direction across multidisciplinary teams. You enjoy mentoring others, building alignment around complex technical challenges, and identifying innovative approaches that improve research outcomes. You are passionate about advancing transformative therapies and thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development, optimization, troubleshooting, and execution of innovative cell‑based assays supporting small molecule discovery programs.
• Independently design and execute assay strategies to profile compounds and characterize potency and selectivity.
• Ensure high‑quality data generation through rigorous assay validation, quality control, and documentation within LIMS databases.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, integrate findings across multiple experimental platforms, and communicate results as well as strategic recommendations to influence project direction.
• Present scientific findings at project team meetings and to cross‑functional leadership and contribute to broader scientific discussions.
• Drive continuous improvement of assay technologies, workflows, automation, and data quality; Identify technical challenges, propose creative solutions.
• Present scientific findings at project team meetings and to cross‑functional leadership and contribute to broader scientific discussions.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional project teams to advance hit discovery, lead optimization, and candidate selection activities.
• Mentor scientists and research associates while fostering scientific and technical excellence across the team.
• Maintain accurate, organized experimental records and contribute to scientific publications, patents, and external presentations as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Postdoc fellowship plus 4 years; or Ph.D. plus 7 years of relevant experience; or Master's plus 16 years of relevant experience; or Bachelor's plus 18 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise independently developing and leading complex cell‑based assay strategies supporting small molecule drug discovery.
• Demonstrated hands‑on industry experience in assay development, compound profiling, dose‑response analysis, and data interpretation in support of Structure–Activity Relationship (SAR) and High‑Throughput Screening (HTS) campaigns.
• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture, transient transfection, stable cell line generation, gene perturbation approaches, and diverse cellular assay platforms.
• Extensive experience with high‑throughput screening technologies, laboratory automation, and assay development across multiple biological platforms.
• Experience with compound screening databases and LIMS systems.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in GraphPad Prism, Spotfire, Excel, or comparable scientific analysis software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence scientific discussions and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists or research associates is preferred.
• Demonstrated scientific creativity, collaboration, and independent thought within an industry drug discovery environment.

At Eikon, employee compensation also includes bonus and equity compensation, in addition to several generous benefit programs, including:

• 401k plan with company matching
• Medical (premiums covered by Eikon at 95%), dental and vision insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%)
• Mental health and wellness benefits
• Weeklong summer and winter holiday shutdowns
• Generous paid time off and holiday policies
• Life/AD&D Insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%) and optional supplemental employee‑paid life/AD&D policies
• Enhanced parental leave benefit
• Daily subsidized lunch program when on‑site

The expected salary range for this role is $165,000 to $199,500 depending on skills, competency, and the market demand for your expertise.

Eikon is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment.