Scientist – Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics

Overview

Monte Rosa Therapeutics is seeking a passionate Scientist with extensive experience in biochemical, biophysical, and protein purification assays. In this role, you will design, develop, and execute kinetic-focused assays and advanced protein purification protocols—including those for challenging protein targets—using a range of techniques. Experience with in vitro transcription translation (IVTT) systems is a plus. This position is a key contributor to the characterization of novel small molecule glue-based degraders, supporting Monte Rosa’s growing pipeline. The candidate should exhibit excellent communication and collaborative skills for working on cross-functional teams, as well as demonstrate a high degree of independence and organization.

Responsibilities

Protein Biochemistry & Purification:

1. Develop and optimize protein expression and purification protocols, including strategies for difficult or challenging targets (e.g., proteins with solubility issues, aggregation, or instability) in bacterial and mammalian expression systems.
2. Apply advanced protein purification techniques such as affinity chromatography, ion exchange, size exclusion chromatography, and other specialized methods.
3. Implement in vitro transcription translation (IVTT) systems for rapid protein expression screening and method development.
4. Troubleshoot and refine purification processes to maximize protein yield, purity, and functional integrity.

Biochemical & Biophysical Assay Development:

1. Design, develop and implement a variety of kinetic-focused, protein-protein interaction assays in low and high-throughput settings. Standard assays include surface plasmon resonance (SPR), MST, Spectral Shift, Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF), Flow-induced dispersion analysis (FIDA), TR-FRET, and fluorescence polarization (FP).
2. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate biochemical, biophysical, and protein purification data in support of drug discovery initiatives.
3. Screen and characterize small molecule compounds and determine the mode of action.
4. Analyze and interpret integrated datasets.
5. Maintain laboratory records, protocols, and summaries.
6. Contribute to laboratory organization and maintenance.
7. Present research plans and results, both within the team and to senior management.

Qualifications

• PhD: In Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of industry experience in a pharma/biotech drug discovery environment;
• MS: In Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 4–6 years of industry experience.

Technical Skills:

1. Strong background in protein biochemistry with demonstrated experience in purifying and characterizing protein targets. Hands-on experience with IVTT systems for protein expression and screening is a plus.
2. Strong background in biochemical and/or biophysical assays (e.g., fluorescence, TR-FRET, FP, MST, SPR, and/or DSF) is a plus.
3. Skilled in advanced protein purification and characterization techniques, including affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography, Western Blotting, mass spectrometry is a plus.
4. Experience with various compound screening formats, laboratory instrumentation, and high throughput automation is a plus.
5. Proven ability to work independently and design experiments, troubleshoot, interpret and report large datasets.
6. Highly analytical mind, attention to detail and organization skills are critical.