Research Scientist - Biochemistry

Job Title: Research Scientist u2013 BiochemistryJob Description This role offers an opportunity for a biochemist to join a Discovery Sciences Biochemistry group and play a key part in early drug discovery. The Research Scientist will design, develop, and execute a broad range of biochemical and biophysical assays to support hit identification, validation, and lead optimization. Working closely with crossu2011functional project teams, this scientist will help characterize protein interactions, evaluate compound libraries, and generate highu2011quality data that drive datau2011based decisions. The position is ideal for someone who is scientifically curious, highly collaborative, and motivated by continuous learning and a growth mindset. Responsibilities + Design, develop, and execute a variety of biochemical assays (such as fluorescence intensity, HTRF, and other relevant formats) to support hit identification, validation, and mechanistic studies for inhibitors, activators, and degraders. + Develop and run biophysical assays (including SPR, BLI, ITC, DSF and related techniques) to characterize proteinu2013ligand and proteinu2013protein interactions, including binding affinity, specificity, and kinetics. + Perform highu2011throughput screening (HTS) campaigns using 384u2011well and 1536u2011well plate formats to evaluate compound libraries and generate highu2011quality data on parameters such as ICu2085u2080, Kd, kon, and koff. + Troubleshoot assay performance issues independently by evaluating assay variability, signalu2011tou2011noise ratios, reagent stability, and protocol design, and implement improvements to enhance robustness, scalability, and reproducibility. + Prepare, characterize, and maintain buffers, reagents, and consumables to ensure consistent assay performance and reliable experimental outcomes. + Handle and characterize proteins, including membrane proteins, purified proteins, and enzymes, ensuring appropriate quality and stability for biochemical and biophysical assays. + Collect, organize, and record biochemical and biophysical assay data in an accurate and timely manner, ensuring clear documentation and traceability of experiments. + Analyze experimental data using appropriate curveu2011fitting and data analysis software, interpret results, and identify trends, issues, and next steps. + Prepare and deliver clear oral and written presentations of data, conclusions, and project updates to crossu2011functional teams and stakeholders. + Operate and maintain laboratory instruments and automation tools, including multichannel pipettes, multiu2011well plate liquid dispensers, multimode plate readers, and biophysical equipment. + Collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines to meet project goals, share expertise, and align on experimental strategies and priorities. + Adjust priorities and experimental plans as project needs evolve, maintaining flexibility while meeting timelines and quality expectations. + Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by adopting new techniques, technologies, and best practices in biochemistry and biophysics. + Document experimental procedures, assay conditions, and results in an organized manner to support reproducibility, knowledge sharing, and regulatory or internal requirements. + Demonstrate a proactive, datau2011driven approach to problem solving and decision making in support of project objectives. Essential Skills + BS or MS in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, Protein Science, or a related life science field with several years of relevant experience; or a PhD in a relevant field with 1+ years of industry experience preferred. + Strong handsu2011on experience with protein science, including work with membrane proteins, purified proteins, and enzymes. + Fundamental understanding of enzymology and biophysics, including enzyme kinetics, enzyme inhibition and activation, and the kinetics and thermodynamics of proteinu2013ligand interactions. + Demonstrated experience in biochemical assay development and execution, including formats such as HTRF and related technologies. + Handsu2011on experience with biophysical assays for protein interactions, including techniques such as SPR and ITC (and related methods like BLI and DSF). + Practical experience with highu2011throughput screening (HTS) using 384u2011well and 1536u2011well plate formats. + Proficiency in wet lab techniques, including preparation, characterization, and maintenance of buffers, reagents, and consumables. + Experience with data analysis and curveu2011fitting software such as GraphPad Prism and Genedata, or similar tools. + Ability to troubleshoot assays and experimental workflows independently and optimize protocols for robustness and reproducibility. + Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills applied to experimental design, data interpretation, and problem solving. + Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present data and project updates clearly to technical audiences. + Ability to work both independently and as part of a highly collaborative team. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Bacheloru2019s degree with strong, directly relevant experience is valued and may be preferred over more advanced degrees with less relevant experience, particularly for longu2011term role alignment. + Experience with additional biophysical assays for protein interactions beyond core techniques, with exposure to modalities such as PROTACs and molecular glues considered a plus. + Prior involvement in assay development from concept through optimization, even if not required to build assays entirely from scratch. + Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across disciplines to achieve project goals and meet timelines. + Flexibility to adjust priorities and manage multiple tasks in response to evolving project needs. + Strong organizational, documentation, timeu2011management, and multitasking skills to manage parallel experiments and datasets. + Eagerness to learn and a growth mindset, with a willingness to adopt new techniques, technologies, and analytical approaches. + A teamu2011oriented mindset that views personal success as closely linked to the success of the team and the broader portfolio. + Proactive, hardworking, and datau2011driven approach to scientific decision making. + Adaptability and comfort working with a variety of lab tools, methods, and evolving technologies. Work Environment The position is based in a modern discovery research laboratory environment focused on earlyu2011stage drug discovery. The scientist works at the bench on a daily basis, using multichannel pipettes, multiu2011well plate liquid dispensers, multimode plate readers, and a range of biophysical instruments to run biochemical and biophysical assays at various throughputs, including 384u2011well and 1536u2011well highu2011throughput screening formats. The role involves close collaboration with crossu2011functional project teams and requires clear communication and regular data sharing. Work is performed primarily onu2011site in a highly collaborative, fastu2011paced setting where priorities can shift as projects advance, and where continuous learning, scientific curiosity, and a growth mindset are encouraged and supported for longu2011term career development. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, DE. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $40.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: u2022 Medical, dental & vision u2022 Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital u2022 401(k) Retirement Plan u2013 Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available u2022 Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) u2022 Short and long-term disability u2022 Health Spending Account (HSA) u2022 Transportation benefits u2022 Employee Assistance Program u2022 Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,DE. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Created: 2026-05-13