Principal Biologist

About the role

We're looking for a Biologist, Cellular Pharmacology to design and execute cell-based assays that validate targets and computationally driven hits across our proximity drug discovery programs. You'll work across the full discovery arc, from target validation through hit ID, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization, owning the cellular pharmacology data that drives internal pipeline decisions and external partner deliverables. This is a high-impact role in a small, fast-moving team where your experimental results directly shape the direction of programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute cell-based pharmacology assays to evaluate proximity-inducing compounds (degraders, molecular glues, stabilizers)
• Manage CRO relationships for outsourced assays and run high-priority experiments in-house
• Characterize compound activity profiles: dose-response, kinetics, selectivity, mechanism of action, and SAR at the cellular level
• Build and validate disease-relevant cellular models (engineered cell lines, primary cells, co-culture systems) for target validation and translational pharmacology
• Develop and optimize quantitative assay readouts including high-content imaging, flow cytometry, reporter systems, and multiplexed approaches
• Collaborate with computational scientists and the XLMS platform team, providing biological feedback to improve ML model predictions and data generation priorities
• Prepare data packages for internal decision-making, BD/partnership discussions, and due diligence

Requirements

• PhD in cell biology, pharmacology, molecular biology, or a related discipline
• 3–8 years of post-PhD experience in a biotech or pharma drug discovery environment, ideally in proximity biology, targeted protein degradation, or molecular glue programs
• Deep hands-on expertise in designing and executing cell-based pharmacology assays (degradation assays, ternary complex formation, ubiquitination, reporter systems)
• Experience with quantitative cellular techniques: high-content imaging, flow cytometry, AlphaLISA/HTRF, NanoBRET, Western blot, ELISA, and/or proteomics-based approaches (TMT, global proteomics)
• Track record of working at the interface of computational predictions and experimental validation
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment where you own the experimental design end to end
• Strong scientific communication skills; able to present data clearly to computational and medicinal chemistry and biology audiences

Qualifications

• Nice to have: Experience with E3 ligase biology (CRBN, VHL, IAPs) or ubiquitin-proteasome pathway
• Background in event-driven pharmacology or beyond