Denali Therapeutics logo

Scientist, Bioassay Development

Denali Therapeutics
Full-time
Remote friendly (South San Francisco, CA)
United States
$125,000 - $158,333 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development

Want to see how your resume matches up to this job? A free trial of our JobsAI will help! With over 2,000 biopharma executives loving it, we think you will too! Try it now — JobsAI.

Role Summary

Scientist, Bioassay Development. Develop, optimize, and establish state-of-the-art potency assays for a diverse pipeline of large molecule biotherapeutics. Lead design and execution of cell-based and biochemical bioassays to evaluate potency and activity; serve as SME for potency assays; contribute to process development and product characterization activities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, and optimization of cell-based and biochemical bioassays to evaluate the potency and activity of therapeutic products
  • Developing, optimizing, and qualifying bioassays for product release and stability testing as well as supporting bioprocess and formulation development, and product characterization activities
  • Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for potency assays, promoting innovation and exploring novel approaches for developing and troubleshooting complex assays
  • Maintaining complete and accurate records and contribute to continuing process improvement
  • Representing the Bioassay team cross-functionally and continuously drive Bioassay method development through internal and external collaborations
  • Presenting experimental results in team meetings
  • Detailed recording and analysis of experiments in an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN)
  • Coordinating parallel tasks across multiple projects and prioritizing deliverables to meet departmental and organizational goals

Qualifications

  • B.S./M.S. in relevant scientific discipline with a minimum of 5 years of direct CMC bioassay development experience in biotech/biopharma or Ph.D. with 1+ years of directly relevant experience
  • Direct experience developing and optimizing binding and functional cell-based bioassays using platforms such as ELISA, HTRF, DELFIA, or qPCR to measure target engagement, cellular uptake, and transcript-level modulation
  • Demonstrated expertise in phase-appropriate assay transfer, qualification, and validation within a CMC and GMP-regulated environment
  • Strong understanding of regulatory expectations for bioassay development and validation (e.g., ICH Q2(R2), USP)
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments and resolve technical challenges
  • Innovative mindset, with experience introducing new technologies and process improvements in bioassay development
  • Proficient with electronic lab notebooks and analytical or statistical software (GraphPad Prism, SoftMax Pro, PLA 3.0, JMP) is essential
  • Adept at managing competing priorities and thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Excellent laboratory, analytical, and organizational skills, with strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills
  • Motivated, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious scientist with a creative approach to problem solving

Skills

  • Bioassay development and optimization
  • Cell-based and biochemical assay design
  • ELISA, HTRF, DELFIA, qPCR platforms
  • Assay transfer, qualification, and validation
  • Regulatory awareness (ICH Q2(R2), USP)
  • ELN documentation and data analysis
  • Strong communication and collaboration

Education

  • B.S. or M.S. in a relevant scientific discipline; or Ph.D. with applicable experience

Additional Requirements

  • None beyond listed qualifications
Apply now
Share this job