Biology Research Scientist – Protein Target Validation
About the Role
A structured AI-driven drug discovery initiative requires scientific validation of protein target assignments across large-scale bioactivity databases. The work centers on reviewing primary literature and determining whether protein identifiers accurately correspond to the biological targets described in experimental studies.
This opportunity is ideal for experienced biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, or chemical biology researchers with hands-on assay experience and familiarity with protein target characterization. Strong candidates should be comfortable making evidence-based scientific judgments from papers, patents, and database records.
The work involves validating target assignments, classifying errors, identifying appropriate UniProt accessions, and documenting the supporting evidence. Accuracy, scientific judgment, and concise technical writing are critical.
What You'll Do
- Review primary research papers and patents to verify protein target assignments
- Compare experimental target information against UniProt records
- Identify and classify incorrect or ambiguous target assignments using a structured taxonomy
- Propose appropriate UniProt accessions when existing assignments are incorrect
- Document scientific reasoning with concise, evidence-grounded notes
- Evaluate target information across binding and functional assay contexts
Requirements
- BA/BS with 5+ years of relevant experience, MS with 2+ years, or PhD with industry or drug discovery research experience
- Background in pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or chemical biology
- Experience working in biotech, pharmaceutical, CRO, or comparable research environments
- Hands-on experience with binding or functional assays such as SPR, TR-FRET, radioligand binding, kinase assays, or GPCR functional assays
- Practical understanding of IC50, Ki, and Kd measurements
- Current or recent hands-on research experience in a scientist, research scientist, associate scientist, or comparable role
- Working fluency with UniProt or related target-validation, SAR, HTS, biochemical-profiling, or IND-enabling workflows
- Ability to independently interpret primary scientific literature and make defensible target-identification decisions
- Availability for approximately 10–20 hours per week
- Ability to work remotely within the United States
- Ability to commit to an initial 1–2 month project period
- Preferred: Experience with ChEMBL, BindingDB, or PubChem
- Preferred: Experience in selectivity profiling or counterscreening
- Preferred: Familiarity with distinguishing agonists/antagonists from activators/inhibitors