Research Scientist II, Target Biology

Job Title: Research Scientist II, Target Biology

Annual Base Salary: DOE, $138,200-$156,000 along with bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Our Mission

The Ellison Medical Institute, formerly known as the Ellison Institute of Technology Los Angeles, strives to spark innovation, leverage technology, and drive interdisciplinary, patient-centered research to continually enhance health, reimagine and redefine cancer care, and transform lives.

Established in 2016 as a medical research and development center, the Institute features innovation labs for artificial intelligence and molecular analytics and was among the first organizations to vertically integrate the interdisciplinary study and treatment of disease. We offer multifaceted programs, including a preventative medicine and cancer clinic, cross-disciplinary research laboratories, a health policy think-tank, and community outreach and educational programs.

Please visit emila.org for more details.

Job Summary

The Ellison Medical Institute seeks a talented and collaborative Research Scientist to join the Target Biology team, playing a vital role in advancing our innovative oncology drug discovery pipeline. In this role, you will design and execute high-impact experiments aimed at identifying hits and refining lead compounds for preclinical development, directly contributing to transformative breakthroughs in cancer research.

With a strong foundation in cancer target biology, you will serve as a critical link between the Drug Discovery group and other multidisciplinary research teams at the Institute. This role thrives on teamwork, requiring seamless integration across diverse scientific disciplines to achieve shared goals.

Ideal candidates are driven by a passion for collaboration and precision, excelling in structured, team-oriented experimental work rather than independent research. This is an exceptional opportunity to work in a cutting-edge environment at the forefront of oncology innovation, where your contributions will accelerate the development of life-changing therapies.

Why You Should Join Us:

• Be at the Forefront of Innovation: Contribute to groundbreaking oncology research and drug discovery in a state-of-the-art environment, working with cutting-edge technologies to advance life-changing therapies
• Collaborate with World-Class Teams: Thrive in a multidisciplinary, team-driven culture where collaboration between scientific experts fuels transformative breakthroughs
• Drive Impactful Science: Play a pivotal role in shaping preclinical developments that have the potential to redefine cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Job Accountabilities:

Experimental Design and Strategy:

• Lead the development and execution of experimental strategies to investigate the activity of potential drug candidates, with a focus on target biology and mechanisms of action
• Oversee the design and implementation of diverse biochemical assays, including cell proliferation and apoptosis studies, to support drug discovery and development efforts
• Provide technical guidance to team members, ensuring excellence in experimental design, assay development, data analysis, and interpretation

Screen Development and Optimization:

• Spearhead the design, development, and refinement of molecular screens to assess the efficacy, specificity, and mechanism of action of drug candidates, with a focus on cancer therapeutics
• Collaborate with automation and robotics teams to scale high-throughput screening efforts using advanced technologies, driving efficiency and innovation in drug discovery workflows
• Ensure team alignment on screening priorities and optimize workflows to meet project timelines and milestones

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Manage and inspire a multidisciplinary team of scientists and research associates, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture
• Partner with medicinal chemists, AI engineers, and research operations teams to conduct AI-driven drug screens, integrating cutting-edge technology into drug discovery processes
• Lead cross-functional project meetings to provide strategic updates, share insights, and proactively address challenges to drive projects forward

Literature Review and Innovation:

• Conduct in-depth reviews of current scientific literature to remain at the forefront of advancements in cancer biology, drug discovery, and screening technologies
• Translate emerging scientific insights into innovative experimental designs and strategic approaches, continuously improving the drug development pipeline

Communication and Reporting:

• Present experimental results, insights, and recommendations to internal stakeholders, senior leadership, and external collaborators in a clear, concise, and impactful manner
• Prepare detailed reports, manuscripts, and presentations that effectively communicate research progress, findings, and strategic recommendations

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Required Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in relevant field such as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology.

Required Experience:

• 5–8 years of hands-on research experience in cancer biology, drug discovery, or related fields, including demonstrated success managing and mentoring teams
• Extensive expertise in laboratory techniques such as mammalian cell culture, viability assays, and biochemical assays
• Proficiency in data analysis software and strong analytical skills for interpreting experimental results
• Proven ability to effectively communicate complex scientific findings through excellent written and oral communication skills
• Prior experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry is highly preferred

Required Field of Expertise: In-depth expertise in cancer cell biology, with a strong emphasis on target biology, mechanisms of action, and drug discovery strategies.

For the safety and health of employees, guests, and patients, the Ellison Medical Institute may mandate vaccination requirements for employment. The Ellison Medical Institute's policies are always subject to review and change to ensure they are appropriate under the circumstances.

The Ellison Medical Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that an inclusive, collaborative team environment is just as important to our mission as stethoscopes and microscopes. We strive to always provide employees a supportive atmosphere, so they feel confident taking creative risks toward innovation. The Ellison Medical Institute values emotional intelligence and communication with empathy and respect for others. We seek to build a diverse group of people who are curious, have a deep sense of responsibility, and the grit needed to achieve excellence.