Senior Research Associate - Scientist I, Discovery Biology - Contract
Help translate Nurix’s targeted protein degradation science into real therapies for patients with cancer and inflammatory disease. As a Senior Research Associate/Scientist I in Discovery Biology, you’ll run the cell-based assays and mechanism-of-action studies that move small molecule and degrader-antibody conjugate programs from hypothesis to lead candidate. It’s hands-on bench science with a direct line to the clinic.
Position Description
The Opportunity
- Plan, execute, and analyze in vitro cell-based assays to support small molecule and degrader-antibody conjugate discovery efforts in cancer oncology, including mechanistic studies and new target identification
- Perform routine and specialized cell culture (cancer cell lines and/or primary cells) to support lead progression and follow-up studies
- Independently troubleshoot experimental issues and proactively introduce new techniques and efficiencies to accelerate drug discovery
- Analyze and interpret experimental data to quantify drug potency and activity, and communicate results clearly to project teams
- Upload and maintain experimental data in electronic lab notebooks and enterprise databases with a high level of accuracy and timeliness
- Collaborate closely with scientists across disciplines, contributing to experimental design, meeting presentations, and project strategy
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant industry experience, Master’s degree with 4+ years, or Ph.D. with 0–2 years of industry experience in Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field (final level based on education, experience, and demonstrated independence)
- Strong background in cancer cell biology
- Extensive hands-on experience with cell culture (cancer cell lines and/or primary cells) and good aseptic technique
- Hands-on experience and proficiency with low- to medium-throughput cell-based assay platforms such as HTRF, AlphaLISA/ELISA, CellTiter-Glo, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and Western blotting/JESS, and other functional assay development
- Ability to conceive, design, and execute hypothesis-testing experiments that directly contribute to project success with minimal supervision
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, data integrity, and commitment to reproducible research
- Clear written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated effectiveness working with cross-functional teams
- Ability to balance multiple studies and deliver high-quality results against project timelines
Preferred
- Experience with gene editing such as CRISPR and RNA interference
- Experience with targeted protein degradation, including PROTACs, degrader-antibody-conjugates, and molecular glue degraders
- Prior industry drug discovery experience
Location: Onsite – Brisbane, CA
Fit with Nurix Culture and Values
- Strong team orientation; highly collaborative
- Solutions and results-oriented focus
- Hands-on approach; resourceful and open to diverse points of view
About Nurix Therapeutics
Nurix Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of targeted protein degradation medicines, the next frontier in innovative drug design aimed at improving treatment options for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases. Powered by a fully AI-integrated discovery engine capable of tackling any protein class, and coupled with unparalleled ligase expertise, Nurix’s dedicated team has built a formidable advantage in translating the science of targeted protein degradation into clinical advancements. Nurix aims to establish degrader-based treatments at the forefront of patient care, writing medicine’s next chapter with a new script to outmatch disease.
