Overview In this Scientist III role, you advance small-molecule programs through high-quality assay development and automation-enabled workflows. You will design, execute, and optimize biochemical and cell-based assays and support the DMTA cycle with data-driven decisions. You'll work with biology, chemistry, and automation teams to speed discovery and apply new tech to improve assay performance. Your work helps translate research into potential medicines at Deciphera.
Compensation / Benefits- Competitive salary and annual bonus
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Generous parental leave
- Growth opportunities and professional development
- Comprehensive benefits package
Responsibilities- Develop, optimize, and execute high-throughput screening assays in 384- and 1536-well formats (cell-free and cell-based)
- Apply enzyme kinetics to design experiments and interpret results for mechanism-of-action studies
- Operate, program, and troubleshoot liquid handling and automation platforms (Agilent BRAVO, Beckman ECHO, Formulatrix Mantis, Certus Flex)
- Evaluate and implement lab automation technologies to increase throughput and reduce DMTA cycle time
- Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure precision and reproducibility
- Manage CRO studies and external collaborations to support project deliverables
- Follow safety, quality control, and documentation procedures
- Analyze results, summarize findings, and document experiments in notebooks, LIMS, and other systems
- Mentor colleagues on assay development and automation workflows; contribute to a culture of rigor and continuous improvement
- Perform other duties as assigned
Key requirements- Bachelor's or Master's degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related discipline
- 5+ years with a bachelor's degree or 3+ years with a master's degree in biotech/pharma preferred
- Experience developing and optimizing biochemical, cell-free, or cell-based assays for drug discovery
- Hands-on experience with HTS formats (384- and 1536-well)
- Strong understanding of enzyme kinetics and its application to assay design and data interpretation
- Experience operating or programming liquid handlers and automation platforms (Agilent BRAVO, Beckman ECHO, Formulatrix Mantis, Certus Flex)
- Strong data analysis, documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment
- collaboration with cross-functional teams
- mentoring and training colleagues
- clear scientific communication
- high-throughput screening (HTS)
- cell-free and cell-based assay design
- enzyme kinetics
