Cell Based Assay Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Scientist to join our Lead Discovery team with a focus on cell-based high-throughput screening (HTS). This position may be filled at the Scientist I or Scientist II level based on the selected candidate's education, experience, technical depth, demonstrated accomplishments, and ability to operate independently. The successful candidate will contribute directly to small-molecule drug discovery programs by developing, executing, and analyzing robust, miniaturized cell-based assays in a fast-paced biotechnology environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute robust, reproducible cell-based assays to support high-throughput screening, hit confirmation, and hit-to-lead campaigns.
• Culture, maintain, characterize, and bank mammalian cell lines used in screening and assay-development workflows.
• Apply assay miniaturization, automation, and statistical quality-control principles to generate reliable screening data in 96-, 384-, and 1536-well formats.
• Collaborate closely with biology, chemistry, automation, compound management, and data teams to plan and execute screening campaigns.
• Troubleshoot assay performance, cellular readouts, liquid-handling methods, and sources of screening variability.
• Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental and screening results in internal meetings, written reports, and electronic systems.
• Maintain complete and timely documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and other applicable data-management systems.
• Contribute to the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of screening workflows, assay-quality practices, and automation processes.
• Support assay transfer, validation, and implementation on automated HTS platforms.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Level-Specific Expectations

Scientist I

• Develop technical proficiency in cell-based assay development, mammalian cell culture, and HTS operations while contributing independent thought and scientific creativity.
• Work on problems of moderate scope, using established procedures and identifiable data factors to determine appropriate actions.
• Perform routine work with general instruction and complete new or unfamiliar assignments with more detailed guidance.
• Independently develop and optimize assays and solve a wide range of difficult technical problems using imaginative and practical approaches.
• Work across projects of diverse scopes, evaluate relevant data factors, and select methods and techniques within generally defined practices.
• Operate independently on routine work and receive general directions on new assignments.
  • Multi-mode plate readers such as EnVision, PHERAstar, and ClarioStar for luminescence, fluorescence, absorbance, and time-resolved fluorescence.
  • Flow cytometry platforms, including Cytek Biosciences systems, for cell-based screening applications.
  • Echo acoustic dispensers for low-volume, non-contact liquid dispensing.
  • LGR Precise Drop or comparable low-volume reagent and cell-dispensing systems.
  • Tecan Freedom EVO/Fluent, Hamilton Microlab STAR/NIMBUS, or Beckman Biomek platforms for pipetting, dilution, plate manipulation, and method optimization.
  • Compound storage and retrieval systems, automated incubators, robotic plate handling, barcode tracking, and LIMS integration.
  • Automated screening workflows connecting assay requests, compound plates, liquid handling, detection, and data systems.
  • Cell-based and biochemical assay development, miniaturization, validation, statistical analysis, and quality-control assessment.
  • Primary and secondary screening campaign execution, hit identification, data review, and comprehensive screening documentation.

Scientist II

Programs and systems may include:

• Detection Instrumentation

• Automated Liquid Handling Systems

• Laboratory Automation Infrastructure

• Assay Development and Screening Operations

Qualifications

• Degree in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
• Level will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and alignment with the following general experience guidelines: Scientist I- PhD with relevant experience, MS with 8+ years of related experience or BS with 12+ years of relevant industry experience; Scientist II- PhD with 2 years of related experience, MS with 10+ years of relevant experience, or BS with 15+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, transfection or transduction, and banking of multiple cell lines.
• Experience developing or running quantitative cell-based assays using luminescence, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, flow cytometry, high-content imaging, or related readouts.
• Understanding of assay-performance and screening-quality metrics such as Z', signal-to-background, coefficient of variation, and concentration-response analysis.
• Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handlers, plate readers, dispensers, or automated HTS workflows appropriate to career level.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, scientific judgment, and ability to manage multiple workflows and timelines.
• Collaborative approach with strong verbal, written, and data-presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience transferring, validating, and implementing assays on automated HTS platforms.
• Experience with 384- and/or 1536-well assay formats and low-volume liquid handling.
• Familiarity with high-content imaging, multiplexed readouts, or flow cytometry-based screening.
• Experience generating stable cell lines or using inducible expression systems.
• Background in molecular biology techniques such as cloning, CRISPR editing, or viral-vector production.

What we offer: 

• Industry competitive compensation
• Annual target bonus
• Stock options
• 401K plan
• Career advancement opportunities
• Monthly town halls to share business and scientific updates

Work Hard, Stay Well 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents
• Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly Neomorph contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 holidays + Winter Shutdown + 3 weeks of vacation time with additional accruals after 2nd year of employment, separate sick leave.
• Supplemental pay for Pregnancy Disability Leave
• Paid Parental Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care

Lifestyle

• Casual work environment
• Volunteer days off each year to spend time contributing to causes you care about
• Flexible work schedule
• Access to onsite gym
• Onsite space to store your bicycle (or surfboard) 

Have Fun! 

We believe in work/life balance and Fun is at the core of our Core Values.  In addition to department and company happy hours, we have regular company-wide and department lunches and social events (ie Padres games, summer picnic, holiday party, bring your kids to work day).

About Us: 

Neomorph is a venture backed biotechnology company solving critical problems in human health through the discovery and development of innovative new medicines against 'undruggable targets'. Our team is comprised of industry leading experts in protein degradation and molecular glues who have a track record of ground-breaking discoveries in the field. We are committed to leadership in advancing the science and technology of molecular glue drug discovery, while prosecuting a pipeline of projects through clinical development. Our patient-first, science-driven approach is complemented by our dedication to a supportive and collaborative work environment. 

Neomorph is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Neomorph is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Notice to agencies: Neomorph will not accept unsolicited assistance from recruiting/search agencies for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by recruiting or search agencies to any employee at Neomorph via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search/recruitment agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Neomorph. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Neomorph as a result of the referral or through other means.