Staff Scientist I, Research Cores

About the role

The Yale Center for Molecular Discovery (YCMD) is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist I to support innovative research programs in high-throughput assay development, genomic screening, and early-stage drug and probe discovery. YCMD provides investigators across Yale with access to specialized expertise in assay development, laboratory automation, chemical and genomic screening, and quantitative data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support high-throughput assay development and screening projects.
• Engage with investigators to define project goals and scope, evaluate experimental strategies, develop project plans, design and execute biochemical, cellular, and imaging-based assays, perform screening campaigns, analyze data, prepare reports, and recommend follow-up and validation studies.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of research activities.
• Present project updates at internal team meetings, communicate results to collaborators, prepare technical reports, and assist investigators in defining next-stage research objectives.
• Contribute to YCMD infrastructure development and daily laboratory operations.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced screening, automation, and imaging instrumentation; collaborate with vendors and service providers; and participate in technology evaluation, implementation, and process-improvement initiatives.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with investigators and collaborators within Yale and external organizations.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while working effectively both independently and as part of multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Contribute scientific data, analyses, and technical expertise to grant applications, publications, presentations, and other scholarly activities that advance the research mission of Yale University.
• Serve as a scientific resource for Yale researchers by providing expertise in high-throughput screening, assay development, genomic screening technologies, and approaches to chemical and genetic probe discovery. Participate in training, educational, and mentorship activities supported by the Center.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to support and manage scientific projects, develop experimental strategies, and execute complex research programs.
• Ability to quickly learn and implement new technologies and methodologies.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and effectively manage multiple concurrent research and infrastructure projects.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology, cell biology, and related biomedical disciplines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and communicate scientific findings.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• M.S. degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with at least two years of research experience in an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical setting.
• Proven experience working in a research core facility, shared-resource environment, contract research organization (CRO), or similar service-oriented scientific setting.
• Proven experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, high throughput screening (HTS), genomic screening technologies, recombinant protein production and characterization, microscopy, and image analysis workflows.
• Proven experience applying statistical and computational approaches to the analysis of large-scale biological datasets and screening experiments.
• Proficiency with scientific software packages for data analysis, visualization, and statistical evaluation.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, including contributions to publications, presentations, grant applications, or collaborative research projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience.