Scientist III - Lead Discovery

Exelixis
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k)
United States, California, Alameda
Jun 18, 2025
SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE: The Scientist III, Lead Discovery is responsible for development, optimization and execution of biophysical and biochemical assays to support hit identification and validation efforts in early-stage small molecule drug discovery projects. This scientist is also responsible for the development of automated, High-Throughput Screening (HTS) biochemical assays (1536- well plate) and assays to profile compound mechanism of action (96-and 384-well plate formats) to advance research programs from discovery to development candidate nomination. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Develops, optimizes, and executes small molecule compound profiling and HTS biochemical and biophysical assays Contributes to the design, planning, and execution of HTS campaigns and mechanism of action (MoA) studies Evaluates and implements new protocols and workflows to support projects from hit finding, hit validation, to lead optimization stages Presents data and reports on project status to department head/manager and at discovery project and research meetings Communicates scientific results to manager, department, and project team partners and/or collaborators Maintains laboratory notebook in a complete, consistent, and concise manner in accordance with company intellectual property policies and practices Complies with company health and safety policies and general laboratory practices Other responsibilities, as assigned SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No immediate supervisory responsibilities EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in related discipline + three years of related experience; or Associate's degree in related discipline + five years of related experience High School Diploma/GED + seven years of related experience Equivalent combination of education and experience. Expected Experience: Hands-on experience with a variety of biophysical and biochemical assay technologies relevant to small molecule drug discovery is required Thorough knowledge of and experience with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques to discover and characterize small molecule-protein target complexes is highly desired Hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory automation equipment (e.g. liquid handlers, dispensers, readers) is a strong plus Additional Knowledge/Skills: Broad understanding of biophysical (SPR, MST, NanoDSF, BLI, thermal shift assays, etc.) and biochemical assays (HTRF, AlphaLisa, Lumit, MSD, ELISA, FP, GLO, etc.) Remains current with relevant scientific literature and advancements in lab technologies and new drug discovery technologies/methodologies and suggests their implementation In discussion with manger, sets goals with understanding of priority and impact to projects, the department, and organization. Solid understanding of how individual experiments fit within a larger discovery project Ability to collaborate with a cross-functional team on extremely complex problems Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced dynamic environment while delivering high-quality work Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills WORKING CONDITIONS: Environment: primarily working in laboratory Travel not required #LI-HG1 If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across severalU.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this positionis $89,500 - $127,500 annually. The base pay range may take into account the candidate's geographic region, which will adjust the pay depending on the specific work location. The base pay offered will take into account the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, experience and internal equity, among other factors. In addition to the base salary, as part of our Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan. Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year. DISCLAIMER The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.