Scientist - In Vitro Cancer Biology

Scientist - Biology

Job Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize in vitro and biochemical (cell-based and purified protein) assays to characterize drug–target interactions for target validation, compound screening, and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Apply equilibrium/kinetic binding models to derive parameters (Kd, Ki, kon, koff, residence time, stoichiometry) using radiometric and fluorescence platforms.
• Plan experiments to distinguish specific vs. non-specific binding; control receptor expression and probe depletion/rebinding.
• Analyze cellular target engagement data (structure-function, conformational dynamics, MoA).
• Use statistical/computational methods to ensure assay robustness and reproducibility (e.g., Z’ factor, CV, signal window).
• Translate scientific questions into robust assays; lead projects supporting the biology screening/evaluation plan and collaborate with chemists, DMPK, imaging, and in vivo teams.
• Maintain documentation; safely work with radioactive isotopes per lab/regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications & Skills (Required/Preferred)

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology/Cellular & Molecular Biology (or related).
• Strong hands‑on assay development/optimization; proficiency with cell culture and molecular biology; experience with ELISA, pathway assays, flow cytometry, western blot, TR-FRET/HTRF, competitive binding, and/or high‑content imaging.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams; excellent communication/detail; radiation safety; AI tools to improve productivity/quality.
• Preferred: industry/academic drug discovery experience; handling radioactive materials; high‑throughput/automated binding assays; additional biophysics (SPR/BLI/ITC/MST); live‑cell engagement platforms (NanoBRET, CETSA); receptor trafficking/membrane biology.

Benefits/Compensation (if stated)

• San Diego, CA: $118,259–$143,302; health coverage; wellbeing/EAP; 401(k) and insurance/disability; paid time off.