Expert Pharma Molecular Biologist

Cogent Scientific, an insourced contract research organization, is looking for the right people to accomplish our Mission: to support the life sciences industry by cultivating and empowering exceptional scientists to deliver specialized laboratory services that advance research, foster collaboration, and accelerate innovation through quality and a shared commitment to excellence.  We can offer you the chance to build on your skills and knowledge while working among experts in their fields and with cutting-edge instrumentation.

 

Cogent Scientific offers competitive pay, attractive benefits (such as medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k); parental leave; PTO and paid holidays; etc.) and an exciting work environment.  This position may include relocation benefits as well.  We aim to recruit the best people who stand out among their peers and embody our Core Values:

 

• Client Focused: We only succeed when our clients succeed.
• Outstanding: We deliver meticulous results through outstanding performance.
• Good: We act ethically and morally.
• Employee-Centric: We honor and support our employees.
• Nimble: We are prepared to adapt in an ever-changing industry.
• Team-Oriented: We collaborate with each other and with our clients.

 

We currently have a role available for an Expert Pharma Molecular Biologist.

 

Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Developing, qualifying, and executing high throughput cell-based assays (proliferation, target engagement, pathway modulation, biomarker readouts) in support of SAR and compound optimization across active programs.
• Running assay cascades and deliver data ready for project team review on agreed timelines.
• Conducting mechanism of action studies in cellular systems, including target engagement, pathway perturbation, time-course, washout, and resynthesis experiments.
• Adapting and transfering assays across cell models and disease areas as program priorities shift.
• Troubleshooting assay performance (signal window, variability, plate effects, DMSO tolerance) and implement corrective actions.
• Maintaining rigorous ELN documentation and assay metadata so results are immediately interpretable by project teams.
• Communicating results to project teams via written summaries and meeting presentations.

 

Job requirements include, but are not limited to:

• PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• 2+ years of industry experience in a drug discovery setting (biotech or pharma).
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise developing and executing cell-based assays in support of small molecule or other modality optimization.
• Direct experience designing and interpreting mechanism of action experiments in cellular systems.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written.
• Works well both as a team and as an individual.
• Demonstration of excellent team player skills, very strong attention to detail, very strong problem-solving skills, a high level of learning agility, and the ability to work across functions. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and self-motivated, with the leadership and communication skills necessary to operate effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment with flexibility and an adaptable approach to goal delivery.

 

This is a day shift position (approx. 8a-5p local time).

 

Cogent Scientific provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate based on any legally protected characteristic.

 

Additionally, if you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

 

This job posting will remain open until 7/31/2026 or until a qualified candidate has been selected, whichever comes first.