We are seeking a Scientist to join our Lead Discovery team with a focus on cell-based high-throughput screening (HTS). This position may be filled at the Scientist I or Scientist II level based on the selected candidate's education, experience, technical depth, demonstrated accomplishments, and ability to operate independently. The successful candidate will contribute directly to small-molecule drug discovery programs by developing, executing, and analyzing robust, miniaturized cell-based assays in a fast-paced biotechnology environment.
Key Responsibilities- Design, develop, optimize, and execute robust, reproducible cell-based assays to support high-throughput screening, hit confirmation, and hit-to-lead campaigns.
- Culture, maintain, characterize, and bank mammalian cell lines used in screening and assay-development workflows.
- Apply assay miniaturization, automation, and statistical quality-control principles to generate reliable screening data in 96-, 384-, and 1536-well formats.
- Collaborate closely with biology, chemistry, automation, compound management, and data teams to plan and execute screening campaigns.
- Troubleshoot assay performance, cellular readouts, liquid-handling methods, and sources of screening variability.
- Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental and screening results in internal meetings, written reports, and electronic systems.
- Maintain complete and timely documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and other applicable data-management systems.
- Contribute to the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of screening workflows, assay-quality practices, and automation processes.
- Support assay transfer, validation, and implementation on automated HTS platforms.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Level-Specific ExpectationsScientist I- Develop technical proficiency in cell-based assay development, mammalian cell culture, and HTS operations while contributing independent thought and scientific creativity.
- Work on problems of moderate scope, using established procedures and identifiable data factors to determine appropriate actions.
- Perform routine work with general instruction and complete new or unfamiliar assignments with more detailed guidance.
- Independently develop and optimize assays and solve a wide range of difficult technical problems using imaginative and practical approaches.
- Work across projects of diverse scopes, evaluate relevant data factors, and select methods and techniques within generally defined practices.
- Operate independently on routine work and receive general directions on new assignments.
- Multi-mode plate readers such as EnVision, PHERAstar, and ClarioStar for luminescence, fluorescence, absorbance, and time-resolved fluorescence.
- Flow cytometry platforms, including Cytek Biosciences systems, for cell-based screening applications.
- Echo acoustic dispensers for low-volume, non-contact liquid dispensing.
- LGR Precise Drop or comparable low-volume reagent and cell-dispensing systems.
- Tecan Freedom EVO/Fluent, Hamilton Microlab STAR/NIMBUS, or Beckman Biomek platforms for pipetting, dilution, plate manipulation, and method optimization.
- Compound storage and retrieval systems, automated incubators, robotic plate handling, barcode tracking, and LIMS integration.
- Automated screening workflows connecting assay requests, compound plates, liquid handling, detection, and data systems.
- Cell-based and biochemical assay development, miniaturization, validation, statistical analysis, and quality-control assessment.
- Primary and secondary screening campaign execution, hit identification, data review, and comprehensive screening documentation.
Scientist IIPrograms and systems may include:
- Detection Instrumentation
- Automated Liquid Handling Systems
- Laboratory Automation Infrastructure
- Assay Development and Screening Operations
Qualifications- Degree in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
- Level will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and alignment with the following general experience guidelines: Scientist I- PhD with relevant experience, MS with 8+ years of related experience or BS with 12+ years of relevant industry experience; Scientist II- PhD with 2 years of related experience, MS with 10+ years of relevant experience, or BS with 15+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, transfection or transduction, and banking of multiple cell lines.
- Experience developing or running quantitative cell-based assays using luminescence, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, flow cytometry, high-content imaging, or related readouts.
- Understanding of assay-performance and screening-quality metrics such as Z', signal-to-background, coefficient of variation, and concentration-response analysis.
- Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handlers, plate readers, dispensers, or automated HTS workflows appropriate to career level.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, scientific judgment, and ability to manage multiple workflows and timelines.
- Collaborative approach with strong verbal, written, and data-presentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience transferring, validating, and implementing assays on automated HTS platforms.
- Experience with 384- and/or 1536-well assay formats and low-volume liquid handling.
- Familiarity with high-content imaging, multiplexed readouts, or flow cytometry-based screening.
- Experience generating stable cell lines or using inducible expression systems.
- Background in molecular biology techniques such as cloning, CRISPR editing, or viral-vector production.
What we offer:- Industry competitive compensation
- Annual target bonus
- Stock options
- 401K plan
- Career advancement opportunities
- Monthly town halls to share business and scientific updates
Work Hard, Stay Well - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents
- Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly Neomorph contribution
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 holidays + Winter Shutdown + 3 weeks of vacation time with additional accruals after 2nd year of employment, separate sick leave.
- Supplemental pay for Pregnancy Disability Leave
- Paid Parental Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care
Lifestyle- Casual work environment
- Volunteer days off each year to spend time contributing to causes you care about
- Flexible work schedule
- Access to onsite gym
- Onsite space to store your bicycle (or surfboard)
Have Fun! We believe in work/life balance and Fun is at the core of our Core Values. In addition to department and company happy hours, we have regular company-wide and department lunches and social events (ie Padres games, summer picnic, holiday party, bring your kids to work day).
Neomorph is headquartered in San Diego, California.
