Sr Research Scientist 1

Promega•Madison, WI

About The Position

OUR TEAM: Our Tailored R&D Solutions (TRS) business leverages Promega’s innovative technologies and R&D expertise to provide customized solutions and strategic partnerships that support client drug discovery and development workflows. TRS Screening Services supports client drug discovery programs through high-throughput screening (HTS), compound selectivity profiling, biologics profiling, targeted protein degradation (TPD) profiling, and emerging cell-based target engagement and thermal shift–style assay platforms for hit finding in challenging targets. We are a dynamic, highly collaborative team focused on delivering high-quality data with rigor, reproducibility, an operations mindset and a strong emphasis on automation and scalability. JOB OBJECTIVE: The Sr Research Scientist 1 will provide scientific leadership in the design, transfer and optimization of cell-based screening assays, with a focus on cell-based target engagement and thermal shift–style platforms. The role is responsible for moving assays from early development into robust, automated workflows and implementing them in client-focused screening projects. The scientist will leverage automation to increase throughput and reproducibility, lead data interpretation, and partner closely with R&D and TRS program management to ensure smooth technology transfer and delivery. The role also includes mentoring junior scientists and managing timelines across multiple parallel projects.

Requirements

BS degree in a scientific discipline with 12+ years post-graduate experience in cell-based assay development.
OR
MS degree in a scientific discipline with 6+ years post-graduate experience in cell-based assay development.
OR
PhD degree in a scientific discipline with 0-3 years post-graduate experience, preferably in an industrial research and/or development environment, with a focus on cell-based assay screening.
Demonstrated proficiency in digital tools and technology, including Microsoft applications and mobile platforms, with the ability to adapt and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, automation, and collaboration.

Nice To Haves

Experience with high-throughput screening (HTS) and automation of cell-based assays.
Demonstrated experience in technology transfer of complex assays from R&D/feasibility into production or service environments, including documentation, training and ongoing support for scalable execution.
Experience with NanoBRET, thermal shift or other cell-based target engagement assays, or related biophysical methods for monitoring compound-induced protein stabilization or engagement.
Strong publication or project track record in cell-based screening, assay development or target engagement / mechanistic studies.
Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical tools for assay optimization, QC and interpretation of screening results.
Experience utilizing laboratory automation platforms for cell-based assays, including:
- Operation and programming of liquid handling robots.
- Integration of automation solutions for multi-step assays.
- Troubleshooting and optimizing automated workflows for assay reproducibility and efficiency.
- Familiarity with LIMS and data management systems for automated screening.
- Collaboration with automation and data teams to enhance laboratory throughput and efficiency.
Prior experience in a fee-for-service or CRO-like environment and direct interaction with external clients.

Responsibilities

Develop, validate and execute cell-based assays for screening customer-provided compounds across a range of biological targets, including kinase, TPD and biologics-relevant targets.
Lead the development, validation and implementation of new and emerging cell-based screening technologies and target engagement assay platforms (including proprietary platforms developed within Promega) for hit finding against client targets and libraries.
Optimize and implement automation platforms for performing cell-based assay screens (including target engagement and follow-up assays), ensuring efficiency, reproducibility and scalability for small and large library campaigns. Leverage artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools to accelerate assay development, optimize automation workflows, enhance data analysis, and improve scientific and operational efficiency across screening programs. Leverage artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools to accelerate assay development, optimize automation workflows, enhance data analysis, and improve scientific and operational efficiency across screening programs.
Identify and resolve assay-related challenges, including complex issues encountered during high-throughput execution, providing clear recommendations for improvements to internal teams and customers.
Partner closely with R&D to transfer new assays and technologies into TRS Screening Services, including cell-based target engagement workflows (e.g., NanoBRET TE, thermal shift–style assays), TPD and PPI assays, ensuring smooth transition and scalability from feasibility studies to routine service offerings.
Mentor and guide team members (including Research Scientist and Research Scientist II roles) in cell-based assay development, screening techniques, automation best practices and data interpretation.
Plan, manage and troubleshoot assay projects to ensure successful execution, data quality and adherence to agreed timelines and deliverables.
Apply expertise in cell-based screening to refine methodologies, improve assay robustness and support the integration of new readouts or formats as needed for client programs.
Assess and enhance existing and novel assay technologies for seamless integration with automation platforms and data systems, with attention to efficiency, scalability and data quality.
Perform hands-on bench work as needed to support assay development, optimization, troubleshooting and critical experimental runs.
Ensure compliance with ethical, legal and regulatory standards relevant to cell-based research and client-specific requirements.
Promote an inclusive and respectful workplace environment through effective communication and collaboration.
Demonstrate inclusion through words and actions and be accountable for a safe workspace, acting with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.
Embrace and be open to incorporating Promega’s Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.