Senior Scientist

Role Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated, lab-based biologist to join our group in Waltham, MA as a contractor. In this position, you will support our dynamic and collaborative cross-functional team working on small molecule drug discovery projects within Oncology. The primary focus is to validate oncology targets emerging from both internal and external research efforts and enable further drug discovery investigation. You will contribute to the development of cell-based assays, study novel biological mechanisms, identify lead molecules, and elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action. These activities will help progress oncology drug candidates toward clinical evaluation. This contract offers a unique opportunity to work on a diverse range of scientific projects and collaborate with scientists across disciplines in a matrixed environment, making a tangible impact on our oncology programs.

Major Responsibilities

• Oncology Target Validation: Identify and validate oncology targets using preclinical models such as cell lines and organoids, and generate derivative models using genetic approaches.
• Assay Development: Develop, implement, and troubleshoot cell-based phenotypic assays including proliferation, survival, cell cycle, and apoptosis across 2D/3D and clonogenic formats.
• Experimental Design & Execution: Design and conduct experiments to understand mechanisms of action and identify candidate biomarkers utilizing western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and high-content imaging approaches.
• Data Analysis & Communication: Analyze, interpret, and effectively communicate experimental data within the team and across projects.
• Record Keeping & Data Generation: Maintain clear and accurate records in accordance with best practices, including data generation for AI application and deployment.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology or a relevant scientific field with 6 years post-graduation research experience, or PhD with at least 2 years post-graduation research experience.
• Demonstrated skill in data generation, management, and analysis.
• Positive, collaborative attitude and a strong willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently to execute experiments, identify key scientific questions, and analyze data.

Required Background:

• Expertise in cancer cell biology and genetics.
• Drug discovery experience in academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical settings.
• Broad assay platform familiarity and experience with assay development or automation.
• High-throughput data generation experience, with the ability to analyze such data including applying data science methods to large-scale omics datasets.