Scientist/Senior Scientist, Assay Development - Molecular Assay Chemistry and Biophysics
Job Overview
Location
Woburn, MA Headquarters
Job Type
Full-time
Category
Software Engineering
Date Posted
June 26, 2026
Full Job Description
đź“‹ Description
- • Design and develop ultrasensitive protein-detection assays from concept through feasibility, optimization, analytical characterization, verification, and transfer using the proprietary SPEAR platform.
- • Optimize antibody and protein reagents to maximize analytical and clinical performance, including antibody selection, epitope-pair assessment, conjugation chemistry, reagent purification, and stability evaluation.
- • Troubleshoot assay-performance issues such as low signal, nonspecific background, limited sensitivity, poor reproducibility, matrix effects, instability, and lot-to-lot variability by applying mechanistic understanding of binding kinetics, affinity, avidity, thermodynamics, and steric effects.
- • Design and execute structured experiments, including design of experiments (DoE), to identify root causes of assay failures and systematically improve sensitivity, specificity, robustness, and reproducibility.
- • Investigate unexpected assay behavior by developing mechanistic hypotheses and conducting discriminating experiments to validate underlying molecular interactions.
- • Collaborate with Platform, Product Development, Operations, and Business Development teams to transition assays from feasibility through verification and into production.
- • Prepare clear scientific presentations, technical reports, study summaries, abstracts, and peer-reviewed publications to communicate assay performance and scientific findings.
- • Work onsite five days per week in Woburn, MA, with no remote work option.
- • Apply fundamental knowledge of molecular interactions involving proteins and nucleic acids to innovate new detection methodologies beyond conventional immunoassay approaches.
- • Evaluate and implement novel conjugation chemistries and nucleic-acid-based signal amplification strategies to enhance detection limits for low-abundance biomarkers.
- • Maintain high scientific standards in a fast-paced startup environment, balancing rapid iteration with rigorous analytical validation.
- • Lead independent research projects with ownership over experimental design, data analysis, and technical decision-making.
- • Contribute to intellectual property development through patentable innovations in assay chemistry and biophysics.
- • Engage in cross-functional problem-solving to align assay development with clinical and commercial requirements.
- • Demonstrate persistence and creativity in solving complex technical challenges under uncertainty with minimal supervision.
🎯 Requirements
- • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Engineering, or a closely related field.
- • Strong fundamental understanding of molecular interactions involving nucleic acids, proteins, or both.
- • Experience with protein–protein and antigen–antibody interactions, including affinity, avidity, kinetics, and thermodynamics.
- • Demonstrated hands-on experience creating and designing immunoassays, protein-detection methods, molecular-diagnostics assays, or an innovative life-science analytical platform.
- • Strong experimental-design and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to develop mechanistic hypotheses and test them efficiently.
- • Ability to work onsite five days per week in Woburn, Massachusetts; candidates must be based in the Greater Boston area or able to relocate before the start date.
🏖️ Benefits
- • Competitive compensation
- • Meaningful stock ownership
- • Comprehensive benefits
- • Great work environment
Skills & Technologies
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About Spear Bio, Inc.
Spear Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation protein therapeutics using its proprietary computational platform to design and optimize biologics with enhanced stability, efficacy, and manufacturability. The company leverages machine learning and structural biology to target challenging disease areas, including oncology and immunology, with a pipeline of engineered antibodies and protein-based drugs. Spear Bio aims to overcome limitations of traditional biologics by creating molecules that resist degradation and maintain function in harsh physiological conditions. The company collaborates with pharmaceutical partners and has received funding from venture capital firms specializing in life sciences innovation. Its work sits at the intersection of AI-driven drug discovery and protein engineering, positioning it as a leader in the emerging field of computational biologics design.
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