We are seeking a technically strong, execution-driven Chemical Biology and In Vitro Discovery Lead to help shape and strengthen our in vitro discovery capability across oncology, immunology, and inflammation, and other disease areas.
This is a high-ownership, hands-on leadership role combining assay excellence, CRO management, cross-functional collaboration, and team capability development within drug discovery. We are looking for a proactive, highly collaborative go-getter who thrives in fast-paced discovery environments.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to discovery programs in India while actively bridging into the U.S. biotech ecosystem, collaborating with global scientific partners to help deliver
transformational medicines. In this position, you will not only make a meaningful scientific contribution but also grow as a drug discovery scientist, gaining broad exposure to multidisciplinary research and
direct involvement in advancing innovative therapeutic ideas.
Key Responsibilities:
1. In Vitro Discovery & Assay Strategy:
- Design and execute biochemical assays (HTRF, TR-FRET, AlphaLISA, enzyme kinetics)
- Build and implement screening cascades from target validation through lead optimization and preclinical candidate identification.
- Define assay validation parameters (Z, CV, signal window, reproducibility).
- Develop counter-screens and disease-relevant 2D/3D cell-based models.
- Design resistance and combination strategies to support program differentiation.
- Execute functional assays (Reporter, viability/apoptosis, ELISA, Western blot, Pathway modulation)
2. Program Leadership, CRO Partnership & Team Capability:
- Serve as Biology Project Leader for one or more NCE programs, driving strategy and execution.
- Identify and manage CRO partners; lead assay transfer and ensure defined quality benchmarks.
- Maintain full scientific ownership of internal and external datasets through rigorous review and interpretation.
- Deliver high-quality, SAR-driving data to enable medicinal chemistry decisions.
- Integrate in vitro findings with DMPK and translational strategy.
- Present biological insights, risks, and recommendations at governance reviews.
- Mentor and develop research Associates through hands-on leadership and scientific
- Coaching, and foster a collaborative, accountable, and performance-driven culture.
- Establish SOPs, strengthen documentation standards, and ensure ELN compliance.
- Demonstrate a go-getter mindset with high ownership, urgency, and solution-oriented thinking.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, Cell Biology, or related discipline with 8 to 10+ years of industry experience in drug discovery (NCE preferred).
- Deep hands-on expertise in biochemical assay platforms including HTRF, TR-FRET, AlphaLISA, and enzyme kinetics, with a strong understanding of assay validation parameters and performance metrics.
- Proven experience in high-throughput screening (HTS), assay development/validation, and lead optimization, with the ability to translate biological data into SAR-driven decisions.
- Extensive expertise in diverse cell-based assay systems (cell viability, reporter gene assays, ELISA, Western blot), with demonstrated ability to design, optimize, and troubleshoot assays supporting mechanistic and translational insights.
- Experience managing and scientifically overseeing CRO-based discovery activities, ensuring data quality, rigor, and milestone-driven execution.
- Hands-on leader with experience mentoring Research Associates and leading by example in laboratory execution, documentation, and scientific rigor.
- Strong cross-functional collaborator with excellent communication skills and a high level of ownership and accountability.
- Demonstrated track record of advancing compounds through preclinical discovery stages, contributing to candidate nomination and IND-enabling efforts.
- Broad modality awareness (small molecules, peptides, biologics), with strong preference and depth in small molecule (NCE) discovery
Why Join Alembic?
- Lead cutting-edge drug discovery programs at the forefront of innovation
- Collaborate with world-class scientists and seasoned entrepreneurs in a highly innovative environment
- Play a central role in shaping Alembics growing and differentiated therapeutic pipeline
- Access state-of-the-art research facilities and advanced discovery technologies
- Be part of an organization committed to scientific rigor, global impact, and improving Patient lives.
- Alembic values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.
