Research Scientist – Drug Discovery Assays
Location: Belgium
Contract Type: Full-Time | 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC)
Start Date: ASAP / Immediate
Extension: Potential for contract extension based on programme needs
About the Organisation:
Our client is a global healthcare and life sciences leader with a long-standing reputation for advancing innovative medicines, medical technologies, and healthcare solutions that improve the lives of millions of patients worldwide.
Operating across multiple therapeutic areas and research disciplines, the organisation invests heavily in scientific discovery, translational research, and cutting-edge drug development technologies. Their research teams work collaboratively across global sites to accelerate the development of novel therapies from early discovery through to clinical development.
As part of their continued investment in drug discovery and early-stage research programmes, they are seeking a Research Scientist specialising in biochemical and cellular assays to join their team in Belgium.
Role Overview:
The Research Scientist – Drug Discovery Assays will play a hands-on role in supporting discovery research by developing, optimising, and executing biochemical and cell-based assays used to evaluate potential therapeutic compounds.
Working closely with multidisciplinary teams including medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and discovery scientists, the successful candidate will generate high-quality experimental data that supports compound profiling, structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, and lead optimisation programmes.
This is a laboratory-based role suited to a detail-oriented scientist who thrives in a fast-paced research environment and enjoys contributing directly to scientific discovery efforts.
Key Responsibilities:
Assay Execution & Screening
* Perform biochemical and cell-based assays to evaluate candidate compounds in drug discovery programmes.
* Conduct compound screening experiments and deliver high-quality experimental data within project timelines.
* Ensure assays are executed consistently to support reliable pharmacological evaluation.
Assay Development & Optimisation
* Support the development, refinement, and optimisation of assays used in screening and profiling studies.
* Contribute to assay miniaturisation and scalability to support higher-throughput screening environments.
* Apply established laboratory techniques to improve assay robustness and reproducibility.
Data Analysis & Scientific Reporting
* Analyse experimental results and summarise findings for project teams.
* Communicate assay outcomes and propose potential follow-up experiments when appropriate.
* Contribute to interpretation of screening results that guide medicinal chemistry optimisation efforts.
Laboratory Documentation & Quality
* Maintain accurate experimental records using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN).
* Ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, data integrity standards, and organisational guidelines.
* Prepare and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and experimental documentation.
Collaboration & Project Coordination
* Work closely with scientists across multiple disciplines including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and discovery technologies.
* Support several research projects simultaneously and proactively identify potential challenges.
* Contribute to a collaborative, science-driven team environment.
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related life sciences discipline.
* Practical laboratory experience performing biochemical and/or cell-based assays.
* Strong experimental and analytical skills with careful attention to scientific detail.
* Ability to work effectively within a collaborative research team environment.
* Strong organisational and communication skills.
Preferred Experience
* Experience with assay technologies such as ELISA, HTRF, fluorescence-based assays, luminescence assays, or fluorescence polarisation.
* Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as microplate readers or automated liquid handling systems.
* Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC or mass spectrometry.
* Knowledge of scientific data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism.
* Experience using Microsoft Office tools for data reporting and documentation.
What This Role Offers
* Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge pharmaceutical research and drug discovery programmes.
* Exposure to advanced assay technologies and modern laboratory platforms.
* Collaboration with leading scientists in a global research organisation.
* Potential contract extension depending on programme requirements and performance.
Additional Information
* This role is laboratory-based and located on-site in Belgium.
* Due to project timelines, candidates should be available to start as soon as possible.
* The role is offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract with potential extension.