What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Scientist position at TalentCraft?
Job Title: Principal Scientist – Cell Biology and Assay Development
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Principal Scientist to lead cell biology and assay development efforts for advancing oncology drug discovery programs. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in developing and validating assays to confirm on-target and on-mechanism activity, as well as guiding lead molecule selection and optimization. Expertise in protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets, particularly transcription factors, and working with "beyond rule of 5" molecules (e.g., peptidomimetics) is highly desirable. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking science at the forefront of drug development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement Tier 1 (initial screening) and Tier 2 (mechanistic) assays for oncology PPI targets.
- Establish cell-based and biochemical assays, including pharmacodynamic (PD) marker and target engagement assays, to support drug discovery initiatives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, computational biology, and pharmacology, to align objectives and strategies in drug discovery.
- Analyze, interpret, and present complex biological data to drive decision-making in lead optimization and preclinical development.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
- 5 years of postdoctoral experience in cell biology, assay development, and oncology research, ideally in an industry setting.
- Deep understanding of the drug discovery process, including workflows for compound testing, prioritization, and lead optimization in oncology.
- Proven expertise in developing and validating cell-based and biochemical assays, with the ability to correlate in vitro findings with in vivo outcomes.
- Strong knowledge of oncology-related cell signaling and signal transduction pathways.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of effectively conveying complex scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.
