Scientist I/II, Cell Biology

Hexagon Bio • Menlo Park, CA

3h • $120,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Hexagon Bio is seeking a highly skilled Scientist in Pharmacology to support the development and characterization of next-generation ADCs featuring novel natural-product payloads. This is a hands-on, laboratory-based position where you will design and execute cell-based functional assays critical to ADC mechanism of action and efficacy including binding, internalization, trafficking, receptor profiling, potency screening, and functional studies.
You will collaborate closely with chemists, biochemists, and other cell biologists to accelerate the evaluation of new payloads, linkers, and ADC conjugates. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in cancer cell biology, high-quality in vitro and ex-vivo assay execution, experience in evaluating biologics or ADCs, and a demonstrated ability to think critically, multi-task, troubleshoot assays, and interpret data.
We seek innovative and collaborative team members who thrive in fast-paced environments and are motivated by our mission to transform cancer therapeutics.

Requirements

• PhD in Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 1-3+ years of hands-on biotech/pharma experience.
• Experience supporting ADCs, or targeted oncology programs is strongly preferred.
• Proven expertise in mammalian cell culture, including cancer cell lines (2D required; familiarity with 3D or primary or organoid is a plus).
• Proficiency with multicolor flow cytometry (sample prep, compensation, gating, analysis).
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as GraphPad Prism and FlowJo software.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting ability.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Initiative, creativity, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro assays to evaluate activity, potency, and MoA of ADCs with novel natural product payloads.
• Execute specialized ADC assays including target expression profiling in cells and tissues, ADC internalization and trafficking, receptor density measurements, and payload-induced cell death analysis.
• Support in vitro to in vivo translation studies using multi-color flow cytometry assays
• Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., organoids, organ-on-chip) and develop new assays to expand capabilities.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to guide project decisions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support candidate selection and MoA investigations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to present findings to project teams and senior leadership.
• Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies and best laboratory practices.
• Contribute to a team culture of scientific rigor, transparency, and innovation.

Benefits

• A flexible and dynamic work environment where you pave your own path, Hexagon cultivates employees' unique strengths at all levels and provides mobility across departments.
• “All Hands Meetings” provide an opportunity to share company and team updates. These meetings are rooted in our value of transparency. They are designed to foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and open communication.
• Rapid career advancement for driven performers.
• Access to scientific conferences throughout the year.
• A range of amenities, courtesy of the Menlo Park Labs business park, including shuttle, gym, rock-climbing wall, pool, sauna, sports courts, cafe, bike lockers, and free EV charging stations.
• Opportunities to engage with the Hexagon community through team-building events like our Hexagon Happy Hours and holiday parties.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree