In Vitro Pharmacology Scientist (Contract)

Pay Rate: Up to $54.48/hour

Duration: 12-Month Temporary Assignment

Hours: Full-Time

Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite)

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative In Vitro Pharmacology Scientist to support drug discovery programs within a growing pharmacology team. In this role, you will contribute to multiple multidisciplinary drug discovery projects, supporting lead optimization campaigns and new target screening efforts through the development, optimization, and execution of robust biochemical and cell-based assays.



The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with a broad range of in vitro biological assays and tissue culture, strong experimental design and data analysis skills, and the ability to independently plan and execute experiments. Experience with CNS-focused primary cell culture, GPCRs, kinases, ion channels, automation, and pharmacology assay development is highly valued.

What You'll Do

• Develop, optimize, validate, and execute biochemical and cell-based in vitro pharmacology assays to support drug discovery programs

• Design and perform experiments that generate high-quality, reproducible structure-activity relationship (SAR) data for lead identification and optimization

• Execute routine pharmacology assays while supporting multiple discovery projects and new target screening efforts

• Develop and conduct mechanism-of-action (MOA) studies to characterize compound activity and biological effects

• Perform cell and tissue culture using recombinant and/or primary cells, including CNS-relevant models

• Conduct pharmacology studies such as neurite outgrowth, electrophysiology, multi-electrode array (MEA), immunostaining, and related functional assays as applicable

• Analyze and interpret biochemical, cell-based functional, and binding assay data to identify promising compounds and understand potency and mechanism of action

• Present experimental findings, data analyses, and scientific conclusions to internal and external project teams

• Document experimental protocols, results, and conclusions in electronic laboratory notebooks and other laboratory systems

• Track assay performance and identify opportunities to improve assay robustness, research quality, and laboratory efficiency

• Work with automated liquid handling systems and laboratory equipment to support high-throughput and reproducible assay execution

• Identify experimental issues, recognize anomalous data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and recommend appropriate solutions

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to advance multiple projects while maintaining data quality and reproducibility

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across assay development, laboratory processes, and research workflows

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, or another relevant scientific discipline with 2+ years of in vitro pharmacology experience

OR

• Master's degree in a relevant scientific field with related industry experience

OR

• PhD in Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline with relevant experience in cell culture and in vitro biological assay development

• Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and executing in vitro biological assays

• Practical experience with biochemical and cell-based assays, including GPCRs, kinases, ion channels, or related pharmacology platforms

• Experience with primary cell culture and tissue culture; CNS-related experience is highly desirable

• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, data analysis, and scientific interpretation skills

• Ability to independently plan and execute experiments while following established scientific and laboratory processes

• Experience recognizing data anomalies and identifying potential experimental or process issues

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining accuracy, quality, and reproducibility

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly present scientific findings

• Strong organizational and time management skills with excellent attention to detail

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams

• Comfortable working with radioisotopes in accordance with applicable laboratory procedures and safety requirements

Bonus Points If You Have

• Experience with CNS-focused pharmacology or neuroscience drug discovery

• Experience with GPCR-focused in vitro assays

• Experience with electrophysiology-based assays

• Experience with multi-electrode array (MEA) assays or neurite outgrowth assays

• Experience with automated liquid handling systems and high-throughput screening

• Familiarity with LIMS, laboratory informatics, inventory management, and data analysis systems

• Experience using modern laboratory automation and instrumentation

• Experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery programs

• Experience working with radioisotopes in a regulated laboratory environment