Associate scientist

Role: Associate Scientist

Count: 2

Department: Drug Discovery – Protein Sciences

Experience: PhD with 0-2 years of research experience

Job type: Onsite, Full time

Location: NUVO Labs Pvt. Ltd. (Meril Group) Vapi, Gujarat.

Description:

We are seeking motivated and detail-oriented candidate for the role of Associate Scientist in our Protein Sciences team to enable our early-stage drug-discovery programmes.

The successful candidate will support our protein-ligand binding studies through execution and analysis of relevant biophysical and biochemical studies. The candidate is expected to produce high-quality data to characterize biomolecular interactions. The role also requires prior hands-on experience in recombinant protein production and characterization.

The candidate is expected to be a team player, who will work closely with various multidisciplinary teams and establish reliable experimental workflows to characterize protein-ligand binding and generate high-quality data to support hit identification and early-stage lead development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Biophysical and Biochemical Studies

• Execute and optimize biophysical assays to characterize protein interactions with small molecules and peptides.

• Determine and evaluate relevant interaction parameters, including binding affinity, kinetics, and thermodynamic or stability-related properties, using appropriate techniques.

• Perform biochemical assays to assess protein activity and ligand-mediated functional modulation.

• Establish, optimize, and troubleshoot assay conditions to ensure data quality, reproducibility, and suitability for drug-discovery applications.

2. Protein Production and Characterization

• Perform recombinant protein expression and purification using appropriate expression systems and chromatographic techniques.

• Assess protein purity, homogeneity, stability, and suitability for biophysical, biochemical, and functional studies.

• Optimize protein production and purification workflows to improve yield, quality, and consistency.

3. Cell-Based Assays and Functional Evaluation

• Execute cell-based assays to investigate functional effects of small molecules or peptides in accordance to project requirements.

• Correlate biophysical binding data with biochemical activity and cellular effects to support the interpretation of molecular interactions.

4. Data Analysis and Scientific Reporting

• Analyse and interpret experimental data using appropriate quantitative and statistical methods.

• Prepare meticulous experimental records, reports, and presentations summarizing methods, results, and conclusions.

• Communicate findings effectively and collaborate with colleagues across protein sciences, biology, and medicinal chemistry.

5. Laboratory Operations and Collaboration

• Maintain accurate laboratory records, protocols, and experimental documentation.

• Follow laboratory safety practices and contribute to the maintenance of equipment and experimental workflows.

• Collaborate with team members to support project timelines, experimental planning, and continuous improvement of laboratory practices.

Essential Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.

• 0–2 years of relevant post-PhD research experience.

Required Skills

• Practical experience in performing biophysical and/or biochemical assays to study protein–small molecule or protein–peptide interactions.

• Hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression, purification, and basic protein characterization.

• Working knowledge of quantitative experimental data analysis, assay controls, and principles of reproducibility.

• Strong experimental aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges.

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience in any or some of the following methods: surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), microscale thermophoresis (MST), fluorescence-based binding assays, or related biophysical techniques.

• Familiarity with enzyme kinetics, thermal-shift assays or functional activity assays.

• Experience in cell-based assays for evaluating protein function or ligand mediated biological responses.

• Experience in FPLC based protein purification, and protein quality assessment.

• Familiarity with protein stability, aggregation, and protein–ligand interaction principles.

Desired Attributes

• A hands-on, methodical, and data-driven approach to experimental science.

• Strong analytical thinking and a willingness to learn new experimental techniques.

• Ability to work independently on defined experimental tasks while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Scientific curiosity, accountability, and a commitment to generating reliable and reproducible data.