Research Scientist I​/II, Bioanalytical Sciences & Assay Development

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist, Bioanalytical Sciences & Assay Development to join our drug discovery team. This scientist will develop and implement mass spectrometry-based assays and bioanalytical workflows supporting Hit Identification (HitID), ADME/DMPK characterization, and physicochemical property assessment. A key focus will be the development and application of MS-based screening approaches for HitID, including Affinity Selection Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) and other MS-based capabilities.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist, Bioanalytical Sciences & Assay Development to join our drug discovery team. This scientist will develop and implement mass spectrometry-based assays and bioanalytical workflows supporting Hit Identification (HitID), ADME/DMPK characterization, and physicochemical property assessment. This scientist will work at the interface of experimental science, automation, and AI-driven molecular design, generating high-quality data that inform compound optimization and enable rapid design-make-test-learn cycles.

This position will be based in our San Diego Headquarters.

• Develop and implement MS-based assays and screening workflows for HitID, including ASMS and other MS-based approaches.
• Develop fit-for-purpose bioanalytical and biochemical assays supporting screening, hit confirmation, and compound characterization.
• Develop and execute in vitro ADME/DMPK assays, including metabolic stability, permeability, protein binding, and related endpoints.
• Develop physicochemical property assays, including solubility, logD/lipophilicity, ePSA, and related measurements.
• Develop and optimize LC-MS/MS bioanalytical methods and troubleshoot assay performance, sensitivity, selectivity, matrix effects, and reproducibility.
• Develop automated and high-throughput assay workflows to improve capacity, turnaround time, and data quality.
• Support operation and troubleshooting of MS and LC/MS instrumentation and associated laboratory automation.
• Generate high-quality experimental datasets that support AI/ML-driven compound design and optimization.
• Collaborate with biology, screening/HitID, medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and computational/AI teams to design assay strategies and translate experimental results into actionable insights.
• Evaluate new assay technologies, MS methodologies, automation solutions, and data workflows to expand drug discovery capabilities.

• Ph.D. in Bioanalytical Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry, Chemical Biology, Drug Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, with approximately 0-5 years of relevant experience; or an M.S. with significant relevant industry experience.
• Strong foundation in mass spectrometry, bioanalytical science, and assay development, preferably with hands-on LC-MS/MS experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting bioanalytical, biochemical, or screening assays.
• Strong understanding of quantitative assay design, experimental controls, data quality, and troubleshooting.
• Strong scientific problem-solving and collaboration skills, with an interest in connecting experimental data with AI/ML-enabled drug discovery and molecular design.

• Experience with MS-based screening or HitID approaches, including ASMS or related technologies, is highly desirable.
• Experience with in vitro ADME/DMPK and/or physicochemical property assays such as solubility, logD, and ePSA is preferred.
• Experience with SCIEX, Agilent, Thermo, or comparable MS/LC-MS platforms is desirable.
• Experience with laboratory automation, high-throughput screening/experimentation, or automated data processing is a plus.