Scientist II, Assay Operations, Screening Platform Technologies

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Scientist II, Assay Operations, Screening Platform Technologies (SPT) to support and scale next-generation cellular screening capabilities for oncology drug discovery. This role will focus on assay operations, screening execution, automation enablement, and assay scale-up to support high-throughput and high-content screening campaigns across early discovery and lead optimization programs.

The successful candidate will partner closely with cross-functional collaborators across Discovery Sciences, Cancer Biology, Automation, Data Science, and external partners to establish robust, scalable, and operationally efficient screening workflows. This position is ideal for a scientist with strong experience executing and operationalizing cellular assays who enjoys working at the intersection of biology, automation, and screening infrastructure.

In this role, you will support the transfer, optimization, execution, and scaling of cellular assays across multiple screening platforms, helping ensure assays are automation-ready, reproducible, and fit for high-throughput applications. You will contribute to the implementation of standardized workflows, assay quality control processes, instrumentation integration, and operational best practices that enable efficient data generation across internal and external screening activities.

The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative and detail-oriented experimentalist with hands-on experience in assay operations, liquid handling automation, and screening logistics. They will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy troubleshooting technical challenges, and contribute to building scalable screening infrastructure that accelerates oncology discovery efforts.

Responsibilities

• Optimize, productionalize, validate, and execute robust screening assays across various cellular screening formats (e.g., CellTiter-Glo, NanoBRET, imaging-based, and transcriptomic readouts).

• Lead and support execution of high-throughput and medium-throughput screening campaigns using automated liquid handling and integrated instrumentation platforms.

• Coordinate assay transfer activities internally and externally, including protocol standardization, reagent qualification, documentation, and execution support.

• Develop and implement workflows for quantitative, scalable profiling in support of oncology programs.

• Contribute to experimental design discussions and data review for projects involving molecular glue characterization and protein interaction modulation.

• Apply advanced data analysis methods, integrating tools such as Genedata Screener, D360, Spotfire, and programming languages (Python, R) to derive actionable insights from complex assay outputs.

• Coordinate and manage tech transfer to external CROs, ensuring quality execution of high-throughput screens and phenotypic assays.

• Collaborate within SPT and across functions, Med Chem, Cancer Biology, Bioinformatics, Automation, to ensure cohesive project execution and data flow.

• Manage timelines and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining high standards for scientific rigor and project communication.

• Support training and mentorship of junior team members while contributing to the collaborative and mission-driven culture of SPT.

Required Skills, Experience and Education:

• PhD in biological sciences, chemical biology, pharmacology, or bioengineering with 2–4 years of relevant experience; or MS with 5–8 years of experience in industry or biotech settings.

• Demonstrated expertise in assay development and optimization for high-throughput and/or high-content screening platforms.

• Working knowledge of assay performance metrics and screening QC parameters (Z’, signal/background, CVs, normalization strategies).

• Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools such as Genedata Screener, Spotfire, D360, Excel, or related platforms for large complex data sets

• Robust experience with cell based assay development and cell based or phenotypic screening.

• Hands-on experience using automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Dragonfly, Echo, Mosquito) and familiarity with scheduling software for walk-up and integrated systems.

• Proven ability to manage and coordinate external CRO partnerships for assay execution and data delivery.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and balance multiple efforts concurrently.

• Experience supporting phenotypic, mechanistic, or oncology-focused screening assays.

• Excellent communication skills with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset and a strong sense of scientific ownership.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with automated liquid handling (SPT Dragonfly and/or Mosquito, Agilent Bravo, Tecan)

• Experience with high throughput screening and comfortabiity leveraging automation and AI/ML to support.

• Facile with instrumentation, able to trouble shoot problems and work with engineers to generate successful solutions to technical limitations.

• Rigorous, quantitative, detail-oriented experimentalist with an understanding of statistics.

Who You Are:

• Deeply analytical and curious—excited by data-driven discovery and uncovering patterns in complex biological systems.

• Energized by working at the interface of technology and biology to solve challenging problems in oncology drug discovery.

• Proactive and adaptable—able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with high expectations for quality and impact.

• Committed to mentorship, collaboration, and scientific excellence in pursuit of transformative therapies for patients.