Principal Scientist, Biophysics/Biochemical Dmtl Automation

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Job Function: Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development
Job Sub Function: Biological Research
Job Category: Scientific/Technology
All Job Posting Locations: Toledo, Spain
Job Description: Principal Scientist, Biophysics/Biochemical DMTL Automation
Location: Toledo, Spain
Level: Principal Scientist (ST7)
Role Overview:
We are seeking an innovative, highly collaborative, and self-directed Principal Scientist to advance next-generation biophysical and biochemical capabilities supporting Design-Make-Test-Learn (DMTL) workflows across Discovery within Discovery Technologies and Molecular Pharmacology (DTMP). Based in Toledo, Spain, this role will generate and interpret high-quality Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and biochemical data to guide decisions from hit identification through lead optimization. The successful candidate will develop innovative assays, implement automated workflows, and partner across chemistry, biology, computational sciences, automation, and platform teams to accelerate DMTA cycles and strengthen the speed, quality, and predictability of discovery.
Key Responsibilities:
Biophysical and Biochemical Assay Development & Discovery Support
Design, develop, and execute SPR and biochemical assays to support hit validation and lead optimization across discovery programs
Generate and interpret kinetic, affinity, thermodynamic, and biochemistry data to guide SAR and critical project decisions DMTA
Acceleration & Data Generation
Deliver high-quality biophysical and biochemistry data that accelerates DMTL cycles and enables rapid, data-driven discovery decisions
Develop robust and scalable experimental workflows that expand throughput and reproducibility across the portfolio
Technology Innovation & Automation
Drive the development and implementation of automated biophysical and biochemical lab design and workflows that increase experimental scale, consistency, and scientific impact
Partner with automation, informatics, engineering, and platform teams across teams to integrate biophysical and biochemical capabilities into scalable DMTA workflows and next?generation discovery platforms
Scientific Collaboration & Technical Leadership
Act as an independent scientist, identifying opportunities, solving complex technical challenges, and leading cross?functional Discovery project teams to shape biophysical and biochemical strategies that advance project objectives
Collaborate across chemistry, biology, computational sciences, structural biology, automation, and data science within Global Discovery Chemistry (GDC) and DTMP to translate biophysical and biochemical insights into portfolio decisions
Qualifications Education
Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or a related scientific discipline
Required Experience & Skills
8+ years of experience developing and executing biophysical and biochemical assays in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or academic research environment
Demonstrated hands?on expertise with SPR, complementary biophysical platforms, and biochemical techniques
Demonstrated ability to determine robust binding affinities and kinetic parameters, supported by appropriate experimental controls, replicates, error analysis, and scientific interpretation
Experience with assay automation, high?throughput experimentation, or laboratory robotics
Strong understanding of protein?ligand interactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and molecular mechanisms
Demonstrated expertise in assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, data analysis, and curve fitting, beyond execution of established protocols
Ability to interpret complex biophysical and biochemical datasets and translate results into actionable drug discovery decisions
Strong scientific communication and collaborative problem?solving skills, including the ability to present and defend data to multidisciplinary project teams
Preferred Experience
Experience supporting Design?Make?Test?Learn (DMTL) workflows
Familiarity with computational chemistry, structural biology, or AI?enabled drug discovery approaches
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams spanning chemistry, biology, automation, and data sciences
Non?Technical Skills
Scientific curiosity, innovation mindset, and strong experimental judgment
Critical thinking with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable