Research Fellow: Bioassay Development

About This Role

Biogen is seeking a highly motivated and creative Research Fellow to join the Bioassays and High-Throughput Screens (BHTS) group within the Synthetic Medicines Design (SMD) department in Cambridge, MA. This role is ideal for a scientist who thrives in a fast-paced drug discovery environment and can independently drive assay development while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute high-throughput biochemical and cell-based assays to support small-molecule discovery programs across Hit ID, Lead ID, and Lead Optimization.
• Work closely and collaboratively with Medicinal Chemists, Project Teams, and other discovery functions to enable rapid DMTA cycles and drive SAR.
• Explore, evaluate, and implement novel assay platforms and technologies, including differentiated internal assays not readily available through external providers.
• Analyze, integrate, and clearly summarize large and complex datasets, translating assay outputs into actionable biological insight.
• Communicate results effectively through written reports, data packages, and oral presentations in project team and departmental forums.

Who You Are

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing novel, robust, and scalable high-throughput assays to identify and rapidly characterize small-molecule potency, selectivity, and mechanism of action, enabling efficient Design-Make-Test-Analyze (DMTA) cycles and advancement of structure-activity relationships (SAR) across portfolio programs.

Required Skills

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (i.e., analytical chemistry, biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or molecular biology) and ability to commit to an 18-month long industry research fellowship onsite in Cambridge, MA
• Hands-on experience developing and running high-throughput biochemical and cell-based assays in in high throughput format.

• Proficiency with high-throughput liquid handling systems, plate readers, and automated screening workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with accountability, while also contributing effectively as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex data and scientific rationale.

Preferred skills

• Experience in assay miniaturization in 384- or 1536-well plate
• Experience with mass spectrometry-based assays, including higher-throughput MS readouts for small-molecule and/or intact mass protein quantification (preferred).
• Experience with assay platforms such as MSD, ELISA, and cell-based reporter assays using fluorescence (e.g., TR-FRET, HTRF) or luminescence.
• Experience developing kinetic or mechanistic assays to determine small-molecule parameters (e.g., kon, koff, kinact, KI).
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Job Level: Professional

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: -$110,000.00

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Up to 15 days of paid accrued annual vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
80 hours of sick time per calendar year
401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
Employee stock purchase plan
Employee Resource Groups participation

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.

Client-provided location(s): Cambridge, MA

Job ID: Biogen-REQ22296

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-01-16T19:16:47