Research Scientist - Biochemistry

This role offers an opportunity for a biochemist to join a Discovery Sciences Biochemistry group and play a key part in early drug discovery. The Research Scientist will design, develop, and execute a broad range of biochemical and biophysical assays to support hit identification, validation, and lead optimization. Working closely with cross‑functional project teams, this scientist will help characterize protein interactions, evaluate compound libraries, and generate high‑quality data that drive data‑based decisions. The position is ideal for someone who is scientifically curious, highly collaborative, and motivated by continuous learning and a growth mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute a variety of biochemical assays (such as fluorescence intensity, HTRF, and other relevant formats) to support hit identification, validation, and mechanistic studies for inhibitors, activators, and degraders.
• Develop and run biophysical assays (including SPR, BLI, ITC, DSF and related techniques) to characterize protein–ligand and protein–protein interactions, including binding affinity, specificity, and kinetics.
• Perform high‑throughput screening (HTS) campaigns using 384‑well and 1536‑well plate formats to evaluate compound libraries and generate high‑quality data on parameters such as IC₅₀, Kd, kon, and koff.
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues independently by evaluating assay variability, signal‑to‑noise ratios, reagent stability, and protocol design, and implement improvements to enhance robustness, scalability, and reproducibility.
• Prepare, characterize, and maintain buffers, reagents, and consumables to ensure consistent assay performance and reliable experimental outcomes.
• Handle and characterize proteins, including membrane proteins, purified proteins, and enzymes, ensuring appropriate quality and stability for biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Collect, organize, and record biochemical and biophysical assay data in an accurate and timely manner, ensuring clear documentation and traceability of experiments.
• Analyze experimental data using appropriate curve‑fitting and data analysis software, interpret results, and identify trends, issues, and next steps.
• Prepare and deliver clear oral and written presentations of data, conclusions, and project updates to cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments and automation tools, including multichannel pipettes, multi‑well plate liquid dispensers, multimode plate readers, and biophysical equipment.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines to meet project goals, share expertise, and align on experimental strategies and priorities.
• Adjust priorities and experimental plans as project needs evolve, maintaining flexibility while meeting timelines and quality expectations.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by adopting new techniques, technologies, and best practices in biochemistry and biophysics.
• Document experimental procedures, assay conditions, and results in an organized manner to support reproducibility, knowledge sharing, and regulatory or internal requirements.
• Demonstrate a proactive, data‑driven approach to problem solving and decision making in support of project objectives.

• BS or MS in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, Protein Science, or a related life science field with several years of relevant experience; or a PhD in a relevant field with 1 years of industry experience preferred.
• Strong hands‑on experience with protein science, including work with membrane proteins, purified proteins, and enzymes.
• Fundamental understanding of enzymology and biophysics, including enzyme kinetics, enzyme inhibition and activation, and the kinetics and thermodynamics of protein–ligand interactions.
• Demonstrated experience in biochemical assay development and execution, including formats such as HTRF and related technologies.
• Hands‑on experience with biophysical assays for protein interactions, including techniques such as SPR and ITC (and related methods like BLI and DSF).
• Practical experience with high‑throughput screening (HTS) using 384‑well and 1536‑well plate formats.
• Proficiency in wet lab techniques, including preparation, characterization, and maintenance of buffers, reagents, and consumables.
• Experience with data analysis and curve‑fitting software such as GraphPad Prism and Genedata, or similar tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot assays and experimental workflows independently and optimize protocols for robustness and reproducibility.
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills applied to experimental design, data interpretation, and problem solving.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present data and project updates clearly to technical audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a highly collaborative team.

• Bachelor’s degree with strong, directly relevant experience is valued and may be preferred over more advanced degrees with less relevant experience, particularly for long‑term role alignment.
• Experience with additional biophysical assays for protein interactions beyond core techniques, with exposure to modalities such as PROTACs and molecular glues considered a plus.
• Prior involvement in assay development from concept through optimization, even if not required to build assays entirely from scratch.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across disciplines to achieve project goals and meet timelines.
• Flexibility to adjust priorities and manage multiple tasks in response to evolving project needs.
• Strong organizational, documentation, time‑management, and multitasking skills to manage parallel experiments and datasets.
• Eagerness to learn and a growth mindset, with a willingness to adopt new techniques, technologies, and analytical approaches.
• A team‑oriented mindset that views personal success as closely linked to the success of the team and the broader portfolio.
• Proactive, hardworking, and data‑driven approach to scientific decision making.
• Adaptability and comfort working with a variety of lab tools, methods, and evolving technologies.

The position is based in a modern discovery research laboratory environment focused on early‑stage drug discovery. The scientist works at the bench on a daily basis, using multichannel pipettes, multi‑well plate liquid dispensers, multimode plate readers, and a range of biophysical instruments to run biochemical and biophysical assays at various throughputs, including 384‑well and 1536‑well high‑throughput screening formats. The role involves close collaboration with cross‑functional project teams and requires clear communication and regular data sharing. Work is performed primarily on‑site in a highly collaborative, fast‑paced setting where priorities can shift as projects advance, and where continuous learning, scientific curiosity, and a growth mindset are encouraged and supported for long‑term career development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, DE.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,DE.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $38 - $40