Scientist/Senior Scientist, Assay Development - Molecular Assay Chemistry and Biophysics

The role

The Scientist/Senior Scientist will design, optimize, and troubleshoot protein-detection assays. This role involves integrating antibody-based recognition, nucleic-acid interactions, conjugation chemistry, and quantitative analytical methods.

What you will do

• Design and develop ultrasensitive protein-detection assays from concept through transfer.
• Develop and optimize antibody and protein-reagent to maximize performance.
• Troubleshoot assay-performance issues using mechanistic understanding.
• Design efficient experiments and use structured approaches to identify root causes.
• Collaborate with Platform, Product Development, Operations, and Business Development teams.
• Prepare scientific presentations, technical reports, study summaries, abstracts, and publications.

Required qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong fundamental understanding of molecular interactions involving nucleic acids, proteins, or both.
• Experience with protein–protein and antigen–antibody interactions, including affinity, avidity, kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience creating and designing immunoassays, protein-detection methods, molecular-diagnostics assays, or an innovative life-science analytical platform.
• Strong experimental-design and troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze complex data, and make sound technical decisions.
• Evidence of meaningful scientific contributions through peer-reviewed publications, patents, conference presentations, or platform-development programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work onsite five days per week in Woburn, Massachusetts.
• Candidates must be based in the Greater Boston area or able to relocate before the start date.

Nice to have

• recent Ph.D. graduates and postdoctoral fellows with strong hands-on research ownership
• startup and industry scientists who have demonstrated rapid growth in technical scope and responsibility

Benefits

• competitive compensation
• meaningful stock ownership
• comprehensive benefits

About the company

Spear Bio, founded in 2021, is a well-funded and rapidly growing biotech start-up headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. The company uses proprietary Successive Proximity Extension Amplification Reaction (SPEAR) technology to provide ultrasensitive solutions for measuring low-abundant biomarkers.