Sr. Associate Scientist/Scientist I - Discovery Biology Platform (Temporary Contract Position)

WHO WE ARE

Belharra Therapeutics is an early-stage small molecule discovery company founded by pioneers in the field of chemical biology. Through the application of our proprietary chemoproteomics platform merged with innovative biology and medicinal chemistry, we are modulating protein function in previously unidentified ways to push the limits of drug discovery. Our aim is to deliver transformative, first-in-class medicines for patients suffering from the most serious diseases.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a motivated Sr Associate Scientist or Scientist I to join our proteomics platform team in developing novel therapeutics to treat unmet medical needs. Belharra is employing a novel photoaffinity-based chemical probe library and quantitative mass spectrometry to identify chemical probes that selectively bind proteins in cells.

This position is a temporary contract role and is not benefits eligible. This is an on-site lab position located in San Diego, CA.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Work within the proteomics team to implement Belharra’s high throughput chemoproteomic platform
• Support multiple projects through the chemoproteomic platform, including cell treatments, probe enrichments, and MS-based quantification
• Grow, expand and maintain tissue culture cell lines and/or primary cells (including transfections)
• Perform chemoproteomic sample preparation protocol (96 well plate format)
• Resuspend and analyze samples on mass spectrometers (Thermo Fisher Exploris and Eclipse instruments)
• Upload and process data through an in-house data processing pipeline
• Analyze results, draw conclusions, and create data packages for presentation
• Weekly calibration and quality control assessment of mass spectrometers
• Perform various molecular biology techniques as needed
• Present at team meetings and company-wide meetings
• Maintain a detailed and accurate electronic lab notebook

QUALIFICATIONS

• The Sr. Associate Scientist level requires a B.S. with 7 or more years, or M.S. with 4 or more years, of relevant experience in chemical biology, cell biology, or related fields
• The Scientist I level requires a PhD with 0-2 years; M.S. with 7 or more years or B.S. with 10 or more years relevant experience in chemical biology, cell biology, or related fields
• Industry experience is a plus
• Familiarity with preparing, running, and analyzing complex proteomic samples for mass spectrometry analysis to support platform enablement
• Experience in tissue culture of immortalized cell lines (experience with primary tissue culture and transient transfections is a plus)
• Familiarity with bottom-up proteomics sample preparation including whole proteome analysis, immunoprecipitations, and small-molecule enrichments
• General understanding of quantitative proteomic data acquisition and analysis techniques (e.g., TMT, DIA, etc.)
• Knowledge of small-molecule target identification/deconvolution
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., western blot, immunoprecipitations, etc.)
• Familiarity with automated instruments and high-throughput assays
• Excellent troubleshooting capabilities with analytical instrumentation
• Mastery of basic software like MS office and GraphPad Prism (coding experience in R, Python, or similar language is a plus)

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TEAM

• People-first approach. You take pride in the way you collaborate and partner with people across the business.
• Passion for problem solving. You are excited by new challenges and know how to achieve maximum results and drive projects forward.
• Thirst for overachieving. You don’t just meet goals; you set the standard.
• Ability to communicate with project teams through presentations and preparation of data packages.
• Capacity to perform under tight timelines and work effectively across multiple projects.

*The anticipated salary range for qualified candidates at the Sr Associate Scientist level is $93,500 - $110,000, on an annualized basis.

*The anticipated salary range for qualified candidates at the Scientist I level is $111,500 - $134,000, on an annualized basis.

This is a temporary contract position and is not eligible for benefits.