Associate Principal Scientist, Biochemistry - Mass Spectrometry & Biophysics Department

Job Description

Job description

At our company, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world. As a leading global pharmaceutical company, we strive to make a difference through innovative research, discovery, and development of life-saving medications and vaccines. With over a century of experience and a steadfast dedication to scientific excellence, we have become a trusted name in the industry. Join our team and be a part of our mission to create a healthier future for all.

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Associate Principal Scientist to join our Biochemistry & Mass Spectrometry team within the Mass Spectrometry & Biophysics (MSB) Department in Quantitative Biosciences. Our team utilizes multidisciplinary techniques to characterize ligand-protein interactions and modulation of (target) protein function to support early-stage drug discovery across a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities.

Applicants will ideally have a strong background in biochemistry and prior experience in assay development, including assays utilized to progress targeted protein degradation (TPD) drug discovery. The successful candidate will be part of cross-functional teams and will collaborate across diverse therapeutic areas including Oncology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Cardiometabolic and Infectious Diseases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and execute biochemical assays supporting all stages of drug discovery with an emphasis on induced proximity and protein degradation.

• Stay abreast of advancements in the field of induced proximity & protein degradation.

• Drive innovation through platform development, internal/external collaboration & long-range capability planning.

• Contribute to the development of biochemical assays supporting high-throughput screening, hit validation & hit-to-lead activities as required.

• Serve as a representative on cross-functional program teams with accountability for delivering progress updates, presenting data & contributing to strategic direction.

• Contribute to a high-performance culture of inclusion, collaboration, engagement, and self-accountability.

• Promote the external reputation of our department through publications and participating in external symposia.

Minimum Education Required:

• Post-graduate degree in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biology, or another related field with 4+ years of relevant industry experience: Ph.D. (4+ years), M.Sc. (7+ years) or B.Sc. (12+ years).

Essential Qualifications:

• Experience in biochemical assay development across a broad range of technologies (e.g., fluorescence- and luminescence-based technologies) to assess protein-ligand interactions, modulation of enzyme function (inhibition; activation) and mechanism-of-action.

• Prior experience developing in vitro assays to progress targeted protein degradation drug discovery, including assessment of compound-dependent ternary complex formation efficiency, cooperativity, and functionality (e.g. substrate ubiquitylation).

• Prior experience serving as a departmental representative on cross-functional drug discovery teams.

• Experience performing technology evaluations & making recommendations on investments designed to maintain a leadership position in the field.

• Demonstrated passion for fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and contributing to the growth and success of colleagues.

• Strong external reputation as evidenced through high-impact publications, presentations, and scientific community engagement.

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with a proven track-record of maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

Desirable Experience and Skills:

• Expertise in biophysical methods (SPR, ITC, MST, thermal shift assays, etc.) is advantageous.

• Prior experience developing assays supporting high-throughput screening for enzyme inhibitors/activators, protein-protein interaction disruptors, etc. is beneficial.

• Experience working with automated liquid handling instruments and platforms (ECHO, BRAVO, etc.) is advantageous.

• Experience with Western Blot techniques, including use of high-throughput/automated systems (ProteinSimpleTM), is desirable.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders).  Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

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Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.  This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

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Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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