About the role
You will be responsible for providing critical biochemical and cell assay data for multiple drug discovery projects using state-of-the-art technologies. This is a lab-based role involving independent design, execution and interpretation of scientific experiments. Furthermore, you effectively communicate your findings and recommendations as part of a multi-disciplinary project team. Your work provides crucial data about protein activity in cellular assays. You develop and implement these assays by using a diverse set of formats and readouts, ranging from low- to high-throughput. You work in a highly collaborative, team-oriented and fast-paced startup environment with a strong commitment to delivering in ways that cut across traditional industry boundaries.
This is a fixed-term contract position for 1 year.
What you’ll do
- Perform and develop biochemical and cell-based functional assays (96- or 384-well plate format) for screening and pharmacologically characterize molecules for drug discovery or technology development projects.
- Highly experienced with human cell lines and cell culture work combined with handling pipetting robots and high-end analytical instruments like plate readers.
- Independently design, plan, perform and analyze cell-culture experiments and assays in the context of cancer models.
- Ensure own work is compliant with General Laboratory Standards, Safety, Health and Environment standards and all other relevant internal Peptone standards and external regulations.
- Deliver work on time and within the allocated budget.
- Perform statistical data analysis and interpretation of analysis results.
- Determine SOPs, reports and presentations.
- Perform maintenance of high-end laboratory devices and instruments.
- Comply with industry standards of good research practice principles, including relevant documentation procedures in an ELN system.
- Maximize value extraction from every measurement in the lab.
What you bring to the team
- Ideally MSc degree in biology/oncology or lab technician training with relevant hands-on experience in the lab.
- Minimum of 2 years industry experience in a drug discovery environment
- Experience and in-depth technical knowledge of biologics assay development and validation, screening and use of automation, with a commitment to quality and scientific rigor.
- Strong hands-on experience in cell-based assays (e.g., cell culture techniques, viability and phenotypic assays, FACS, etc.).
- Ability to solve challenges creatively and a drive to contribute to the development of new and improved assay technologies and processes.
- Experience in biochemical and molecular biology methods (e.g., ELISA, WB and enzyme assays)
- Experience in biochemical assays like HTRF, AlphaLISA and AlphaScreen is a big plus.
- Experience in high throughput technologies and automated liquid handling systems is a plus.
- Knowledge of statistical data analysis and experimental design (DoE) is of advantage.
- Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills with great attention to detail.
- Proactive, independent, structured and highly motivated approach to work combined with excellent problem-solving skills and a great team spirit.
- Strong team player with good communication skills and experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams and contributing to collaborations.
- Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Fluency in Italian is a plus.
- Demonstrate independent judgment in technique and method selection, protocol and study design and execution, data analysis and use of standard practices and procedures for a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity to meet assigned objectives.
We inform you that your personal data will be processed according to the applicable Data Protection Law. The Data Controller is Peptone Switzerland AG, which will process your personal data for employee recruitment purposes. To view the extended information notice, please select the 'apply to position' link here above.