Scientist III (Lead Discovery)

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

The Scientist III, Lead Discovery is responsible for assay development, optimization, and completion of biochemical and cellular 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 and optimizes (under guidance from supervisor) and executes (independently) compound profiling and projects focused on the targeting and interrogation of signaling pathways with a general knowledge of current approaches focused on hit and lead identification.
• Under the supervision of the manager, develops, evaluates, optimizes and implements new technologies, laboratory protocols, and methodologies for biochemical and cell-based assays to meet project goals and objectives.
• Presents data and reports on project status at department/ group meetings.
• Communicates scientific results and publishes data to company databases.
• Interacts and collaborates with internal groups and departments to discuss and resolve program and/or department needs.
• Applies advanced scientific and technical principles, theories and concepts. Contributes to the development of new principles and concepts.
• Responds to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business/scientific communities.
• 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.
• Uses professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways.
• Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature relevant to the research experiments or program.
• Maintains laboratory notebook in a complete, consistent, and concise manner in accordance with company intellectual property policies and practices.
• Adheres to good health and safety practices and compliance with applicable EH&S safety rules and participates in mandatory safety training programs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May supervise full-time or contract employee(s)

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Education:

• High School Diploma/ GED and a minimum of seven years of related experience; or,
• Associate's degree in a related discipline and a minimum of five years of related experience; or,
• Bachelor's degree in related discipline and a minimum of three years of related experience; or,
• Master's degree in related discipline a minimum of one year of related experience; or,
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Experience in a laboratory operating automation equipment (e.g., liquid handlers, readers, Echo, Cellario), is essential. Extensive experience in assay development for structure activity relationship (SAR) applications, lead validation, lead optimization is preferred.
• Experience in a variety of kinase, enzymatic and cell-based assays in oncology therapeutics is required.
• Excellent data analysis skills and experience with a variety of scientific software applications (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Activity Base, Genedata) is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• General understanding of cellular and biochemical assays as well as the detection technologies used in their execution.
• Ability to collaborate with a cross-functional team.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced dynamic environment while delivering high-quality work.
• General understanding of how the individual experiments fit within a larger research program to meet organizational goals.
• General understanding and application of scientific principles, theories, and concepts in the field of specialty and other related disciplines.
• Ability to apply a variety of cutting-edge automation tools (liquid handlers, readers, etc.) to enable cellular assays.
• In discussion with management, sets goals with an understanding of priority and impact on the program, department, and organization.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Discovery/Exelixis East:

• Environment: primarily working in laboratories or in office
• Exposures encountered, such as chemical and biohazards associated with a drug discovery laboratory

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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 several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this position is $86,250 - $126,750 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.