Scientist I / Scientist II, Cell-based High Throughput Screening

About the role

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.

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.
• Operate independently on routine work and receive general directions on new assignments.

Scientist II

• Programs and systems may include: Detection Instrumentation, Automated Liquid Handling Systems, Laboratory Automation Infrastructure, Assay Development and Screening Operations.
• 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.
• A collaborative approach with strong verbal, written, and data-presentation skills.

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
• 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.

• 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.
• Experience: Understanding of assay-performance and screening-quality metrics such as Z', signal-to-background, coefficient of variation, and concentration-response analysis.
• Experience: Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handlers, plate readers, dispensers, or automated HTS workflows appropriate to career level.
• Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, scientific judgment, and ability to manage multiple workflows and timelines.
• Skills: Collaborative approach with strong verbal, written, and data-presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Transferring, validating, and implementing assays on automated HTS platforms.
• Experience: Generating stable cell lines or using inducible expression systems.
• Experience: 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
• 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

• 10 holidays + Winter Shutdown + 3 weeks of vacation time with additional accruals after 2nd year of employment, separate sick leave.
• 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.