Scientist, NMR & Biophysics

Treeline Biosciences • Watertown, MA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Biophysics Scientist to join our Watertown team to deliver high-quality results and drive small molecule drug discovery. In this role, you will be a key contributor to our small‑molecule discovery engine, designing and executing biophysical strategies that identify high‑quality hits, elucidate mechanisms of action, and accelerate lead optimization. You will work at the center of multidisciplinary project teams, partnering closely with chemistry, biology, and lead discovery to advance programs toward development candidates. The successful candidate will design and implement new biophysical assays and hit ID approaches with a focus on ligand observed and protein observed NMR, along with other techniques such as SPR and DSF. You will provide expert interpretation of biophysical results and use data analysis and visualization tools to integrate data with the broader set of data generated at Treeline to drive program decisions.

Requirements

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Biology or related discipline with 0+ years of relevant postdoctoral training or Masters with 6+ years.
• Biotech/pharma experience with a demonstrated impact in hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization for small-molecule programs a plus.
• Expertise in quantitative biophysical assay development, especially NMR for small‑molecule drug discovery. Hands-on experience characterizing protein–ligand interactions, using both ligand observed and protein observed experiments
• Experience with programming (python) and implementing ML workflows a plus
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex assays, work with challenging proteins, and deliver high‑quality, reproducible data.
• Excellent communication, data visualization, and interpersonal skills, with a track record of effective collaboration on multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fragment-based lead discovery, covalent lead discovery, and/or DEL
• Experience with implementing ML workflows and programming
• Experience with 19F fragment-based NMR screening
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of an array of biophysical and biochemical methods with proven hands-on expertise applying biophysics for interaction analysis. Expertise with MST/SS, DSF, MS, SPR, TR-FRET and/or FP assays.
• Working knowledge of adjacent disciplines (biochemistry, structural biology, protein purification, biology, chemistry).
• Experience in working with challenging proteins.
• Experience working with CRO’s

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute biophysical assays to support hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization activities.
• Establish robust NMR assays to monitor small molecule binding
• Efficiently utilize a suite of biophysical and biochemical techniques to advance drug discovery
• Effectively analyze, interpret, and communicate biophysical data as a member of project teams.
• Employ biophysical methods to mechanistically deconvolute the molecular mechanism of action of small molecule hits.
• In collaboration with chemistry, biology, lead discovery, and medicine design, characterize and establish SAR to rapidly drive the hit-to-lead process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree