Project Manager Biophysics

Company Novalix is a Drug Discovery CRO headquartered in Strasbourg, France, owned by its executive management, scientific founders, and employees. For more than two decades, Novalix has delivered high‑quality chemistry and biophysics services to a broad range of partners, from virtual biotech companies to global pharmaceutical players. Novalix is recognized for its scientific rigor, flexibility, and client‑centric approach, and for pioneering innovative collaboration models including in sourcing and risk‑sharing partnerships.

Position Overview

This role represents a strategic first scientific hire for Novalix in the United States. The selected candidate will be employed by Novalix LLC and will be based at Novalix premises located within the Bruker Demo Lab in Billerica, Massachusetts.

In this role, you will lead Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and switch

SENSE projects and contribute to NMR‑related activities. You will be the first member of Novalix’s US‑based biophysics team. While working autonomously on site in Billerica, you will be fully integrated into Novalix’s global biophysics organization, working closely with the SPR team and Head of SPR, as well as with the NMR expert team, all based in Strasbourg, France.

This position offers a unique opportunity to build, shape, and grow Novalix’s US biophysics presence, combining senior‑level scientific responsibility with client interaction and close collaboration with Novalix’s US Business Development team.

• Design, develop, and perform SPR experiments on Bruker SPR platforms (including fragment screening).
• Conduct switch
  
  SENSE experiments on Helix and proFIRE instruments.
• Manage the full experimental pipeline in Billerica, including assay design, preparation of dilution series, handling of small molecules in DMSO, protein immobilization or coupling to oligonucleotide conjugates, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and implement innovative experimental strategies to highlight the strengths of each instrument, improve workflows, and enhance data quality.
• Lead biomolecular interaction characterization projects for clients, ensuring scientific excellence, on‑time delivery, project monitoring, client reporting, and preparation of procedures and technical reports.

• Contribute to NMR projects performed in Billerica by providing wet‑lab experimental support, including sample preparation and coordination with the Strasbourg‑based NMR team.

• Serve as the primary scientific point of contact for US‑based clients for biophysics services, particularly SPR and switch
  
  SENSE.
• Work closely with Novalix’s US Business Development Directors, the Head of SPR and the director of Biophysics to support opportunity qualification, proposal development, scientific discussions, and project initiation.
• Host and participate in on‑site client visits, scientific meetings, and technical or commercial presentations, playing a key role in building client trust and long‑term partnerships.

• Act as the local scientific owner of Novalix’s biophysics activities at the Billerica site, ensuring smooth day‑to‑day laboratory operations in a shared Bruker environment.
• Ensure compliance with Novalix SOPs, data integrity standards, and safety requirements.
• Proactively identify operational or scientific risks and elevate them appropriately to management in Strasbourg.
• Contribute to the definition, implementation, and continuous improvement of workflows, SOPs, and best practices for US‑based activities.

• Provide regular, structured updates (written and oral) on project status, pipeline, and site activities to the Head of SPR and relevant members of Novalix management, ensuring transparency and alignment despite geographic distance.

• PhD in biophysics or a closely related discipline, with proven expertise in Surface Plasmon Resonance.
• At least 5–6 years of hands‑on experience in biophysical experiments, sample preparation, and critical analysis of biophysical data, ideally in a life science, CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment.