Scientist II - Assay Development

Join the Biochemistry and Biophysics Group within the Department of Pharmacology at MRL-Boston for an exciting opportunity to advance early-stage drug discovery. In this role, you will collaborate closely with a dynamic, cross-functional scientific team dedicated to identifying and optimizing small molecule therapeutics. You will play a key part in characterizing target proteins and small molecule interactions, leveraging cutting-edge biochemical and biophysical methodologies to drive medicinal chemistry and high-throughput screening initiatives forward.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and run quantitative biochemical and biophysical assays to support small molecule ligand identification and lead optimization.
• Conduct detailed biochemical and biophysical studies to elucidate mechanisms of action and modes of ligand-protein interactions.
• Support high-throughput screening (HTS) campaigns and ongoing medicinal chemistry efforts through robust compound profiling.
• Utilize advanced detection modalities to characterize target-ligand binding dynamics and enzymatic behavior.
• Perform steady-state and transient-state kinetic experiments to evaluate enzyme and inhibitor mechanisms.
• Operate and integrate automated liquid handlers to streamline assay throughput and compound handling.
• Analyze complex screening data using specialized analytical software and present findings clear and concisely to team members.
• Maintain detailed scientific records, trouble-shoot experimental workflows, and contribute to continuous laboratory optimization.

Education

• BS/BA degree in biochemistry, biophysics, or a related scientific discipline with 1–5 years of industry experience; OR
• MS degree in biochemistry, biophysics, or a related scientific discipline with 1+ years of industry experience (preferably focused on assay development and compound profiling in drug discovery).

Experience

• Solid foundational knowledge in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology with practical experience in basic biochemical and biophysical techniques.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in assay development utilizing modalities such as TR-FRET, FP, LC-MS, radiochemical, SPR (BIAcore), fluorescence thermal shift (TdF), or ITC.
• Prior hands-on experience executing enzyme and inhibitor kinetic studies (steady-state and transient-state).
• Experience operating automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Echo, Bravo, Biomek, or Hamilton).
• Proficiency with Windows OS, data analysis databases, and presentation applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and TIBCO Spotfire.