At our company, we are committed to becoming the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company and are dedicated to providing leading innovations and solutions for today and the future.
Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal to identify agents that are effective in treating or preventing human disease and to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.
We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Target Biology & Screening team at our research laboratory in Singapore. Our team focuses on active collaboration with cross functional groups to design, develop and drive fit-for-purpose high throughput screening assays to support development of multiple therapeutic modalities across various disease areas and therapeutic indications. We are passionate about developing novel, translationally relevant assays, applying automation strategies to drive programs from target validation through lead optimization, particularly in disease areas with critical unmet needs, and to accelerate the discovery and development of new drugs.
As a Senior Scientist, you are expected to possess strong background in molecular and cell biology, with preferably experience in development of complex cell-based co-culture models using cell lines, patient-derived primary cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). You will work as part of a cross-functional team driving early drug discovery programs across multiple target classes, modalities, and therapeutic areas. You will be responsible for designing, executing, optimizing, and validating biochemical, cell-based, high content imaging-based assays according to industry standards to drive drug screening programs. You are expected to have hands-on experience in a variety of basic laboratory skills, applying understanding of underlying biological mechanisms and assay principles to develop fit-for-purpose in vitro / ex vivo assays. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, gain-exposure to a research-driven enterprise and utilize your passion, creativity, knowledge and collaboration skills to find solutions to challenging scientific problems.
What You Will Do:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to
· Drive design of experiments, development, optimization and validation of in vitro standard and complex biochemical and translational cellular assays for target validation and small-scale screening studies across diverse therapeutic diseases and modalities by performing wet lab experiments as needed.
· Support the conceptualization and advancement of early drug discovery and lead optimization programs in collaboration with program core teams by delivering and executing on robust, quantitative screening assays and analyzing screening data to deliver data packages for pipeline Go/No-Go decision making.
· Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on project progress and findings. Present research findings to drug discovery teams, including writing manuscripts and generating data to support patent filings.
· Proactively suggest new research ideas and demonstrating creative thinking, problem solving skills to develop and execute fit-for purpose assays to enable further understanding of disease biology, target engagement, pharmacodynamic responses and therapeutic mechanism of action.
· Drive the optimization of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) expansion and differentiation, qualification and characterization methodologies to enable development of robust iPSC model build and high throughput iPSC drug screens.
· Innovate and collaborate broadly with internal and external stakeholders to identify, evaluate, and advance novel cutting-edge assays (E.g. Organ-on-chips) and applying automation technologies (E.g. 3D Bioprinting) to drive discovery programs with improved translatability, robustness with enhanced throughput and efficiencies.
· Work in collaboration within the network to streamline, modernize automation and assay workflow strategies and to develop and implement assay automation protocols to enable robust and high throughput studies for disease profiling and compound screens.
· Maintain data integrity and compliance by managing and taking ownership of the data lifecycle, perform accurate experimental record keeping and authoring documentation including SOP, assay long protocols, research reports and data presentations. Work in collaboration with data analytic groups to build reliable pipelines for quantitative data analysis, machine learning and data integration.
· Support and participate in various lab management and environment, health, safety initiatives as needed, including performing regular basic maintenance and quality control of equipment and serving as primary point of contact for equipment troubleshooting.
What You Must Have
To be successful in this role, you will have
· Recent PhD in Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Pharmacology, MSc in a Life Science-related discipline with more than five years of relevant research experience or BSc with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in automation and in vitro high throughput screens and assay development.
· Experience designing, executing, and validating in vitro biophysical, biochemical, molecular, cellular assays using a wide range of modern technologies and quantitative detection methods.
· Strong track record in assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
· Experience developing robust automation protocols for high throughput drug screens using state-of-art liquid handling platforms such as ECHO, BRAVO, Tecan, etc. is a plus.
· Good working knowledge and hands-on experience in cell culture and bio sample preparation, including 2D mammalian cell lines, iPSC-derived models, primary cell culture, 3D organotypic cultures.
· Experience with high-content assay development, miniaturization and automation protocols to enable high throughput studies using automated image analysis tools, algorithms and data analysis is a plus.
· Demonstrable 3D tissue modelling experience (e.g. spheroids, organoids, hydrogels, bio-scaffolds, organ-on-a-chips or bioprinting-based tissue models) is highly desired but not mandatory.
· Strong understanding of cell biology and molecular biology is required. Knowledge in cancer, neuroscience, immunology and/or cardiometabolic disease biology is highly desired.
· Solid organizational, experimental design, troubleshooting and data analysis skills, particularly knowledge in pharmacological data analysis is expected.
· Highly collaborative yet independent scientist that excels in a matrix environment. Possess the ability to multitask, prioritize work, attention to detail, establish strong collaborations with stakeholders and work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
· Self-inspired and enthusiastic team player with willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to changing priorities. Possess a positive, proactive attitude and embodies a growth mindset.
What You Can Expect
· Opportunity to work at the interface of multiple disciplines and integrate cutting edge science, novel methodologies into drug discovery research.
· Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to learn from each other, apply your innovative mindset to experiment with new ideas and approaches and drive development of state of art technologies.
A supportive working environment that fosters career growth, continuous learning and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
