Research Fellow: Bioassay Development

Biogen • Cambridge, MA

1d • $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Biogen is seeking a highly motivated and creative Research Fellow to join the Bioassays and High-Throughput Screens (BHTS) group within the Synthetic Medicines Design (SMD) department in Cambridge, MA. This role is ideal for a scientist who thrives in a fast-paced drug discovery environment and can independently drive assay development while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing novel, robust, and scalable high-throughput assays to identify and rapidly characterize small-molecule potency, selectivity, and mechanism of action, enabling efficient Design–Make–Test–Analyze (DMTA) cycles and advancement of structure–activity relationships (SAR) across portfolio programs.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (i.e., analytical chemistry, biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or molecular biology) and ability to commit to an 18-month long industry research fellowship onsite in Cambridge, MA
• Hands-on experience developing and running high-throughput biochemical and cell-based assays in in high throughput format.
• Proficiency with high-throughput liquid handling systems, plate readers, and automated screening workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with accountability, while also contributing effectively as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex data and scientific rationale.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in assay miniaturization in 384- or 1536-well plate
• Experience with mass spectrometry-based assays, including higher-throughput MS readouts for small-molecule and/or intact mass protein quantification (preferred).
• Experience with assay platforms such as MSD, ELISA, and cell-based reporter assays using fluorescence (e.g., TR-FRET, HTRF) or luminescence.
• Experience developing kinetic or mechanistic assays to determine small-molecule parameters (e.g., kon, koff, kinact, KI).
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute high-throughput biochemical and cell-based assays to support small-molecule discovery programs across Hit ID, Lead ID, and Lead Optimization.
• Work closely and collaboratively with Medicinal Chemists, Project Teams, and other discovery functions to enable rapid DMTA cycles and drive SAR.
• Explore, evaluate, and implement novel assay platforms and technologies, including differentiated internal assays not readily available through external providers.
• Analyze, integrate, and clearly summarize large and complex datasets, translating assay outputs into actionable biological insight.
• Communicate results effectively through written reports, data packages, and oral presentations in project team and departmental forums.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Up to 15 days of paid accrued annual vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
• Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
• 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Employee Resource Groups participation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees