Expert Pharma Molecular Biologist

About the role

Cogent Scientific is seeking an Expert Pharma Molecular Biologist to join our dynamic team. This role supports the life sciences industry by conducting critical cell-based assays and providing detailed data to optimize compounds and advance research.

Responsibilities

• Developing, qualifying, and executing high throughput cell-based assays (proliferation, target engagement, pathway modulation, biomarker readouts) in support of SAR and compound optimization across active programs.
• Running assay cascades and delivering data ready for project team review on agreed timelines.
• Conducting mechanism of action studies in cellular systems, including target engagement, pathway perturbation, time-course, washout, and resynthesis experiments.
• Adapting and transferring assays across cell models and disease areas as program priorities shift.
• Troubleshooting assay performance (signal window, variability, plate effects, DMSO tolerance) and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintaining rigorous ELN documentation and assay metadata so results are immediately interpretable by project teams.
• Communicating results to project teams via written summaries and meeting presentations.

Requirements

• PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• 2+ years of industry experience in a drug discovery setting (biotech or pharma).
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise developing and executing cell-based assays in support of small molecule or other modality optimization.
• Direct experience designing and interpreting mechanism of action experiments in cellular systems.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written.
• Works well both as a team and as an individual.
• Demonstrated excellent team player skills, very strong attention to detail, very strong problem-solving skills, a high level of learning agility, and the ability to work across functions.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and self-motivated, with the leadership and communication skills necessary to operate effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment with flexibility and an adaptable approach to goal delivery.

Skills

• Strong understanding of cell biology and molecular biology principles.
• Experience with high-throughput screening and assay development.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid parental leave.
• PTO and paid holidays.

Pay

Salary range: $80,000 - $120,000 annually.

Schedule

This is a day shift position (approx. 8a-5p local time).

Company Information

Cogent Scientific is an insourced contract research organization dedicated to supporting the life sciences industry. We aim to recruit the best people who stand out among their peers and embody our Core Values: Client Focused, Outstanding, Good, Employee-Centric, Nimble, and Team-Oriented. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and do not discriminate based on any legally protected characteristic.