Senior Scientist, Molecular Interactions

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with a PhD for a six month contract assignment in the Molecular Interactions group within Discovery Biologics based in South San Francisco, CA. The contractor will provide hands on experimental and data analysis support for active biologics discovery programs, with an emphasis on generating timely, decision enabling data on binding, kinetics, avidity, epitopes, competition, and developability.
The successful candidate will work closely with scientists in antibody discovery, protein sciences, computational biology, developability, and project teams. This role is focused on execution and requires the ability to contribute quickly through sound experimental design, reliable assay delivery, clear data interpretation, and practical workflow improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret molecular interaction studies that support hit identification, lead optimization, and candidate selection.
• Generate and analyze binding affinity, kinetics, avidity, epitope binning, competition, and developability data for antibodies, bispecifics, and other biologic modalities.
• Coordinate with project scientists to define assay plans, prioritize samples, and deliver results according to program timelines.
• Document methods, results, and conclusions accurately in electronic systems, reports, and presentation ready summaries.
• Communicate data, technical risks, and recommended next steps clearly to project teams and stakeholders
• Operate interaction analysis platforms such as SPR, high throughput SPR using Carterra, BLI, flow cytometry, and related technologies.
• Optimize established assay formats and workflows to improve throughput, robustness, data quality, and turnaround time.
• Use appropriate data analysis, visualization, and automation tools to accelerate data interpretation and reporting.
• Identify assay or instrument issues, perform routine troubleshooting, and partner with internal platform owners as needed.
• Develop protocols, templates, and analysis workflows that can be transferred to the broader team at the conclusion of the assignment.
• Apply rigorous experimental design, appropriate controls, and quantitative data interpretation to address project questions.
• Work independently on assigned studies while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Participate in project and platform discussions and provide concise, evidence based scientific input.
• Follow all applicable laboratory, data integrity, documentation, and safety requirements.

Qualifications
Required

• PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, protein sciences, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in biomolecular interactions and protein characterization.
• Hands on experience with one or more interaction analysis platforms, such as SPR, Carterra, Biacore, BLI, KinExA, or related technologies.
• Experience analyzing kinetic and affinity data for interactions between proteins.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experiments, interpret complex data, and deliver high quality results within defined timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred

• Experience supporting therapeutic antibody, multispecific, or other biologics discovery programs in an industry setting.
• Experience with epitope binning, competition assays, cell binding characterization, receptor pharmacology, or developability assessment.
• Knowledge of antibody engineering, Fc biology, and relationships between protein structure and function.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation, high throughput screening workflows, and data analytics.
• Programming or data science experience using Python, R, Spotfire, or similar tools.
• Ability to become productive quickly in a fast paced, matrixed research environment.

Six Month Assignment Deliverables

• Consistent delivery of high quality molecular interaction data for prioritized discovery studies.
• Timely analysis, documentation, and communication of results, including clear conclusions and data quality assessments.
• Improvement or standardization of assay, analysis, or reporting workflows where opportunities are identified.
• Complete transfer of protocols, data packages, analysis templates, and recommendations at the conclusion of the assignment.

Success Profile

• The successful contractor will be a hands on, scientifically rigorous, and collaborative researcher who can rapidly integrate into the team, independently execute well controlled studies, and deliver reliable data that support near term program decisions. Success in this assignment will be measured by quality, timeliness, reproducibility, clear communication, and effective knowledge transfer.