Company Introduction:
Founded in 2004, SignalChem Biotech is a world’s leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of active kinases and disease-relevant kinase mutants. With expertise in cellular signaling, molecular biology, and biochemistry, SignalChem has developed over 4,000 functional recombinant protein products, establishing itself as a key player in the global market for active recombinant signaling enzymes. Recently acquired by Sino Biological, a world-renowned reagent supplier and contract research organization listed on ChiNext of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (301047 Sino Biological Inc.). SignalChem is now expanding its capabilities and creating multiple new positions.
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our Assay Development team. In this role, you will develop, optimize, and validate biochemical and cell-free assays for recombinant proteins, enzymes, antibodies, and therapeutic drug targets. Working closely with protein production, project management, and quality control teams, you will generate high-quality functional data to support both internal product development and external CRO projects.
This position is ideal for a scientist who enjoys translating protein biochemistry and molecular biology into robust, reproducible assays that advance research reagent development and drug discovery.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, optimize, and validate functional assays for recombinant proteins, enzymes, antibodies, and drug targets.
- Develop biochemical, enzymatic, binding, and immunological assays to evaluate protein activity, function, and quality.
- Establish robust assay workflows for product validation and customer-specific CRO projects.
- Optimize assay conditions, including reaction buffers, substrates, enzyme concentrations, incubation times, and detection methods.
- Characterize recombinant proteins using appropriate biochemical and analytical techniques.
- Develop assays for small-molecule inhibitor screening, antibody characterization, and target engagement studies.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data, and prepare technical reports, assay validation summaries, and presentation materials for internal teams and external clients.
- Present scientific findings and project proposals to internal teams.
- Collaborate with protein production scientists to troubleshoot protein expression, purification, and functional performance.
- Support technology transfer of validated assays into routine production and CRO workflows.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with established quality standards.
- Evaluate and implement new assay technologies to improve sensitivity, robustness, and throughput.
- Contribute to technical documentation, application notes, scientific publications, and marketing materials as appropriate.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacology, or a related field; or an M.Sc. with equivalent industry experience.
- Relevant experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or CRO environments (postdoctoral experience considered).
- Strong background in protein biochemistry and enzymology.
- Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing biochemical or functional assays.
- Hands-on experience with recombinant protein characterization.
- Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:
- Enzyme activity assays
- Fluorescence-based assays (TR-FRET, FRET, fluorescence polarization)
- Luminescence assays (ADP-Glo, NanoBRET, luciferase)
- ELISA and other immunoassays
- Bio-layer interferometry (BLI)
- HPLC or LC-based biochemical analysis
- Protein-protein and protein-ligand interaction studies
- Antibody characterization and affinity measurements
- Dose-response analysis (IC₅₀/EC₅₀)
- Assay quality metrics (Z'-factor, CV, signal-to-background ratio)
- Data analysis using GraphPad Prism, Excel, or similar software
What We Offer
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects involving recombinant proteins, antibodies, enzymes, and drug discovery.
- Exposure to advanced assay technologies and protein characterization platforms.
- A collaborative, science-driven work environment.
- Professional growth and career development opportunities.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
