Scientist​/Senior Scientist, Assay Development

Spear Bio, founded in 2021, is a well‑funded and rapidly growing biotech start‑up headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. Our proprietary technology,
Successive Proximity Extension Amplification Reaction (SPEAR), is a novel wash‑free immunoassay platform, offering unprecedented sensitivity. We are dedicated to revolutionizing early disease diagnosis and monitoring by providing scalable, ultrasensitive solutions that deliver unparalleled accuracy in measuring low‑abundant biomarkers, enabling clinicians and researchers to improve patient outcomes and advance global health.

The Scientist/Senior Scientist will play a pivotal role in advancing Spear Bio’s assay development initiatives for our new range of ultrasensitive immunoassays. This role will report to the Senior Director of Assay Development, but will also interface closely with Platform and Product Development teams. This individual should have a strong track record developing and optimizing immunoassays for research and clinical applications that detect low abundance protein biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases.

This role is based onsite in our lab in Woburn, MA 5 days/week.

• Develop a portfolio of ultrasensitive, ELISA‑based immunoassays throughout the product lifecycle from screening and optimization, to feasibility and verification; this includes planning, design, and execution of benchwork involving antibody selection, conjugation of reagents, buffer optimization, and assay validation of sample matrices for research and clinical use

• Conduct scientific research on immunoassay design and troubleshooting techniques including dynamic range, limit of detection, spike and recovery, precision, accuracy, and assay linearity; employ DOE and data analysis methodologies to meet project timelines

• Organize, document, and review reports for assay development process in preparation for product launches

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to generate marketing materials, internal reports, conference posters, and presentations utilizing immunoassay development data results

• Mentor junior scientists and provide guidance on projects

• Ph.D. plus 1‑3+ years or MS plus 4‑5+ years of life sciences industry experience designing, developing, and troubleshooting ultrasensitive, blood‑based immunoassays for neurodegenerative biomarkers

• Deep subject matter expertise in ultrasensitive, immunoassay development including: assay planning, optimization, and troubleshooting with specific focus on antibody screening and conjugation, preanalytical serum, plasma, or EV sample preparation and evaluation, assay diluent formulation, and homogenization for multiplexing

• Demonstrated experience utilizing literature to remain at the forefront of research for neurodegenerative protein biomarkers and diseases, and applying the latest research insights to generate immunoassays for clinical application

• Advanced understanding and experience with ligand binding assays and diverse analytical and ultrasensitive platforms (e.g. Simoa, MSD, Lumipulse, NULISA)

• Experience with FDA and CLSI guidelines to design and execute feasibility and verification testing for developed assays

• Can work 5 days/week on site in Woburn, MA.

We offer competitive compensation, meaningful stock ownership, comprehensive benefits, and a great work environment. This is an opportunity to enter an innovative, high‑growth startup at an early stage and play an integral role in the company's growth and success. We are focused on identifying candidates who have demonstrated leadership and excellence throughout their careers and are excited by the prospect of building an industry‑leading company.

Spear Bio Inc. provides equal opportunity in employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical/mental disability.

Spear Bio does not accept resume submissions from external recruiting agencies. Any unsolicited resumes or candidate information submitted without prior written agreement will be deemed the property of Spear Bio, and no placement fees will be paid.