Senior Scientist - Biology - Discovery Platform (Onsite)
About The Position
Neomorph is seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Senior Scientist to advance its molecular glue discovery platform and early target discovery efforts in targeted protein degradation. The successful candidate will independently develop and execute innovative experimental strategies to identify and validate novel targets, establish and expand molecular glue discovery capabilities, and elucidate the mechanisms of action of small-molecule molecular glues. The role will help translate early discovery findings into new pipeline opportunities and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to advance platform technologies and guide data-driven research decisions. Neomorph is a venture-backed biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing medicines against undruggable targets. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California, and describes its approach as patient-first and science-driven, with an emphasis on a supportive and collaborative work environment. The position is onsite.
Requirements
- PhD with 5 years, MS with 8 years, or BS with 11 years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated expertise developing, optimizing, and implementing cell-based assays to investigate small-molecule activity and mechanism of action.
- Strong understanding of targeted protein degradation, molecular glue biology, or closely related chemical biology and small-molecule mechanism-of-action research.
- Ability to independently formulate hypotheses, design rigorous experimental strategies, critically analyze complex datasets, and solve challenging scientific problems.
- Experience developing and implementing quantitative degradation and protein interaction assays, including HiBiT, NanoBiT, NanoBRET, or related methodologies.
- Experience with CRISPR-based genome editing, genetic perturbation approaches, and generation of engineered reporter cell lines.
- Experience applying molecular and cellular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, genetic manipulation, and generation and characterization of engineered cell lines.
- Excellent scientific communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary research teams.
- Scientific curiosity, creativity, and initiative, with the ability to independently drive research activities in a dynamic drug discovery environment.
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience with molecular glue degraders, PROTACs, or other targeted protein degradation technologies.
- Understanding of E3 ubiquitin ligase biology, ubiquitin-proteasome system function, and molecular mechanisms underlying induced protein degradation.
- Experience developing or implementing high-throughput screening assays and associated automation technologies.
- Demonstrated experience independently advancing early-stage drug discovery or platform development projects through critical scientific milestones.
Responsibilities
- Independently design and execute experimental strategies to identify, prioritize, and validate novel targets using chemical and/or genetic approaches.
- Develop, optimize, and implement robust cell-based assays to characterize molecular glue activity, including target degradation, ternary complex formation, and mechanism of action.
- Integrate and critically interpret literature and discovery datasets, including high-throughput screening, proteomics, and genetic perturbation studies, to generate hypotheses and guide target discovery and validation.
- Develop and implement assay technologies and experimental approaches to expand the capabilities, efficiency, and scope of the molecular glue discovery platform.
- Independently troubleshoot complex scientific and technical challenges, identify critical knowledge gaps, and develop practical strategies to advance research objectives.
- Communicate scientific findings, recommendations, and research strategies to multidisciplinary teams, contributing to decisions about platform development and advancement of pipeline programs.
- Develop and communicate experimental plans to evaluate novel biological targets and advance early drug discovery research.
Benefits
- Industry-competitive compensation
- Annual target bonus
- Stock options
- 401K plan
- Career advancement opportunities
- Monthly town halls to share business and scientific updates
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents
- Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA plan with monthly Neomorph contribution
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 holidays, Winter Shutdown, and 3 weeks of vacation time, with additional accruals after the second year of employment and separate sick leave
- Supplemental pay for Pregnancy Disability Leave
- Paid Parental Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care
- Casual work environment
- Volunteer days off each year
- Flexible work schedule
- Access to a state-of-the-art gym
- Onsite space to store a bicycle or surfboard
- Company and department happy hours, lunches, and social events
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
