Scientist III, Biological Science

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Scientist III to join our drug discovery team and help advance innovative small molecule programs through high-quality assay development, screening, and automation-enabled workflows. In this role, you will independently design, execute, optimize, and interpret biochemical and cell-based assays, including high-throughput screening assays in 384- and 1536-well formats. You will partner closely with biologists, biochemists, medicinal chemists, and automation teams to generate decision-making data, troubleshoot complex workflows, and apply new technologies that improve assay performance and accelerate the Design, Make, Test, Analyze (DMTA) cycle. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on scientist who enjoys building robust assays, applying enzyme kinetics expertise, and leveraging lab automation platforms such as the Agilent BRAVO, Beckman ECHO, Formulatrix Mantis, and Certus Flex to support fast-paced discovery research. What You’ll Do Assay Development and Experimental Execution Develop, optimize, and execute high-throughput screening assays in 384- and 1536-well formats, including both cell-free and cell-based assay systems. Apply knowledge of enzyme kinetics to design experiments, interpret assay performance, and support mechanism-of-action studies for small molecules. Operate, program, and troubleshoot liquid handling and automation platforms, including systems such as Agilent BRAVO, Beckman ECHO, Formulatrix Mantis, and Certus Flex. Evaluate and implement lab automation technologies that improve assay workflows, increase throughput, and reduce DMTA cycle time. Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to support experimental precision, reproducibility, and operational excellence. Manage CRO studies and external collaborations as needed to support project deliverables. Follow all safety, quality control, and documentation procedures. Data Analysis and Documentation Analyze experimental results, assess assay quality, and summarize key findings to inform program decisions. Document experiments, protocols, and data clearly in electronic notebooks, LIMS, and other required systems. Prepare reports, presentations, and data summaries for internal teams and cross-functional stakeholders. Collaboration and Scientific Support Work in a collaborative, cross-functional environment to solve scientific and technical challenges. Mentor and train colleagues on assay development, automation workflows, and best practices. Contribute to a team culture focused on scientific rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline. Minimum of 5+ years of relevant laboratory experience with a bachelor’s degree or 3+ years with a master’s degree, preferably in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry. Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing biochemical, cell-free, or cell-based assays for drug discovery applications. Hands-on experience with high-throughput screening formats, particularly 384- or 1536-well assay platforms. Strong understanding of enzyme kinetics and the ability to apply kinetic principles to assay design and data interpretation. Experience operating or programming liquid handlers and automation platforms such as Agilent BRAVO, Beckman ECHO, Formulatrix Mantis, Certus Flex, or similar systems. Strong data analysis, documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment. Preferred Capabilities Experience managing, transferring, or analyzing studies conducted with CRO partners. Interest in emerging lab automation technologies, instrumentation, and assay miniaturization strategies. Ability to clearly communicate scientific concepts, experimental results, and recommendations in both written and verbal formats. Deciphera is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary pay range for this role is $90,000-$124,000. Actual compensation packages will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to depth of experience, education, skillset, overall performance and/or location.​ Deciphera believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package to all employees. Our base salary is just one component of Deciphera’s competitive total rewards strategy that also includes annual performance bonus, a long-term incentive plan, full range of benefits and other incentive compensation plans (if applicable) Benefits: Competitive salary and annual bonus. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and more. Generous parental leave and family planning benefits. Outstanding culture and opportunities for personal and professional growth. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION Deciphera is committed to equal employment opportunity and values diversity. To ensure that we comply with reporting requirements, we invite you complete the confidential survey at the end of this application. Providing this information is optional. It will not be accessible or used in the hiring process, and has no effect on your opportunity for employment. This information will also be treated confidentially. We are committed to make all hiring decisions and other employment decisions on a non-discriminatory basis. Deciphera, a member of Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing important new medicines and providing hope to people living with cancer, neurologic and autoimmune disease. Deciphera is leveraging its proprietary switch-control kinase inhibitor platform and deep expertise in kinase biology to develop a broad portfolio of innovative medicines. In addition to advancing multiple product candidates from Deciphera’s platform in clinical studies, QINLOCK® (ripretinib) is Deciphera’s switch-control kinase inhibitor approved in many countries including the European Union and the United States for the treatment of adult patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who have received prior treatment with 3 or more kinase inhibitors, including imatinib. ROMVIMZA® (vimseltinib) is a kinase inhibitor approved in the United States for adult patients with symptomatic tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) for which surgical resection will potentially cause worsening functional limitation or severe morbidity, and in the European Union for adult patients with TGCT associated with clinically relevant physical function deterioration and in whom surgical options have been exhausted or would induce unacceptable morbidity or disability. The spirit of collaboration that has brought medications to life continues to guide how we operate, grow, and discover new breakthroughs. We cultivate an inclusive culture that values curiosity, creativity, and shared accountability—empowering individuals to challenge the unknown together. Deciphera offers competitive compensation, including equity-based compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance and a flexible spending account for either health care and/or dependent care.