Scientist, In Vitro ADME

Duration: Initial 6–12 months, potential to extend or convert

Location: Onsite in Watertown, MA (5 days/week)

• Current office is in Cambridge but will move to new office in Watertown at the start of October

MUST HAVES:

• B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field
• 3 years of lab-based experience running ADME or permeability assays in an industry or CRO setting
• Direct experience with PAMPA, MDCK, or Caco-2 permeability assays

Position Overview:

Early stage biotech client is seeking a hands-on and innovative Contract Scientist to execute and enhance our in vitro ADME assay platform. This individual will be expected to independently run in vitro cellular assays, support related ADME assays, and work creatively to evolve new assay formats to support our novel modality. The ideal candidate is comfortable in a startup environment and ready to contribute from day one.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and interpret in vitro permeability assays (PAMPA, MDCK, Caco-2).
• Contribute to assay development and innovation across in vitro ADME (e.g., solubility, plasma protein binding, microsomal stability).
• Prepare and manage samples for LC-MS/MS bioanalytical support (collaborating with internal or external partners).
• Well versed in aseptic/sterile techniques and handling of mammalian cell cultures.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and proactively implement improvements.
• Analyze data using tools such as Excel and GraphPad Prism; clearly document results.
• Communicate findings in internal team meetings.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with biology, chemistry, and external CRO teams.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• 3 years of lab-based experience running ADME or permeability assays in an industry or CRO setting.
• Proficiency in PAMPA, Caco-2, and/or MDCK assays and cell culture techniques.
• Experience working with peptides is a plus.
• Experience with LC-MS/MS sample prep and bioanalytical workflows preferred.
• Demonstrated creativity or experience in developing or optimizing novel in vitro assays.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative, dynamic biotech environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Familiarity with high-throughput plate-based assay formats .
• Working knowledge of DMPK principles and ability to link in vitro findings to PK/PD.
• Experience supporting data for novel modalities or challenging chemical matter.
• Exposure to PBPK or in vitro–in vivo extrapolation frameworks a plus.