Scientist I/II, Cell & Molecular Biology

  • Neomorph
  • San Diego, California
  • Full Time

Our Ideal Candidate

You are an experienced drug discovery biologist with a passion for drug discovery and thrive in a role that is fully hands-on at the bench. You bring extensive expertise with routine molecular and cell biology approaches, including cloning, CRISPR/RNAi, mammalian tissue culture, cell-based assays, as well as direct experience contributing to small molecule drug discovery programs. You have a proven record of advancing projects from the bench through the design and generation of robust, decision-making data packages addressing key scientific questions. You excel in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and multidisciplinary research environment where your bench contributions directly drive project success.

Responsibilities

  • Perform bench-level experimental work to drive project-related biological MOA studies and SAR advancement through cell line engineering and cellular assay development.
  • Advance small molecule drug discovery projects through the design, optimization, and execution of cell-based assays.
  • Lead efforts in new target identification/validation using chemical and genetic approaches.
  • Support/lead projects from the earliest stages to clinical development through strategic prioritization of parallel efforts.
  • Communicate science and strategy effectively in a variety of internal and external settings.

Required Qualifications

Scientist II Level:

  • PhD in Biology or related field with 2+ years, MS with 5+ years, or BS with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.

Scientist I Level:

  • Recent PhD in Biology or related field, MS with at least 3 years or BS with at least 6 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Demonstrated experience advancing preclinical small molecule drug discovery efforts, including evaluation of novel targets/pathways for therapeutic potential or characterization of molecules in relevant disease models.
  • Hands-on expertise with cell line engineering, including transfection, RNAi, lentiviral transduction, and CRISPR.
  • Proficiency in routine molecular biology assays (Cloning, PCR, qRT-PCR, WB, HTRF).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong desire and capacity to work at the bench in a dynamic, fast-paced research setting.
  • Proven ability to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with targeted protein degradation is highly desirable.

Important Note About This Role

This is a 100% laboratory-based position. The successful candidate will spend the majority of their time conducting experiments, analyzing data, and directly contributing to small molecule drug discovery programs at the bench. Candidates seeking a primarily project leadership, or managerial role will not be a match for this opportunity.

What we offer:

  • Industry competitive compensation
  • Annual target bonus
  • Stock options
  • 401K plan
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Monthly town halls to share business and scientific updates

Work Hard, Stay Well

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents
  • Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly Neomorph contribution
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 10 holidays + Winter Shutdown + 3 weeks of vacation time with additional accruals after 2nd year of employment, separate sick leave.
  • Supplemental pay for Pregnancy Disability Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care

Lifestyle

  • Casual work environment
  • Volunteer days off each year to spend time contributing to causes you care about
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Access to onsite gym
  • Onsite space to store your bicycle (or surfboard)

Have Fun!

We believe in work/life balance and Fun is at the core of our Core Values. In addition to department and company happy hours, we have regular company-wide and department lunches and social events (ie Padres games, summer picnic, holiday party, bring your kids to work day).

About Us:

Neomorph is a venture backed biotechnology company solving critical problems in human health through the discovery and development of innovative new medicines against 'undruggable targets'. Our team is comprised of industry leading experts in protein degradation and molecular glues who have a track record of ground-breaking discoveries in the field. We are committed to leadership in advancing the science and technology of molecular glue drug discovery, while prosecuting a pipeline of projects through clinical development. Our patient-first, science-driven approach is complemented by our dedication to a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Neomorph is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Neomorph is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Notice to agencies: Neomorph will not accept unsolicited assistance from recruiting/search agencies for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by recruiting or search agencies to any employee at Neomorph via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search/recruitment agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Neomorph. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Neomorph as a result of the referral or through other means.

Job ID: 488593399
Originally Posted on: 8/8/2025

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