Remote | Biology Research Scientist — $50–$90/hour

We are sharing a specialised part-time consulting opportunity for experienced biology research scientists with hands-on expertise in protein target validation, bioactivity assays, molecular pharmacology, and drug discovery research.

This role focuses on verifying protein target assignments in large-scale bioactivity datasets using primary scientific literature and UniProt records. Selected scientists will investigate papers and patents, identify incorrect target mappings, propose corrected protein accessions, and document evidence-based scientific reasoning supporting each decision.

Key Responsibilities

Protein Target Validation

• Verify protein target assignments against primary scientific literature and UniProt records
• Determine whether assigned UniProt IDs accurately represent the proteins evaluated in underlying experiments
• Identify incorrect, ambiguous, or insufficiently supported target mappings
• Distinguish closely related proteins, isoforms, complexes, and target classes where relevant
• Apply scientific judgement to complex or incomplete experimental evidence

Primary Literature Review

• Review peer-reviewed papers, patents, and related primary sources
• Extract relevant information about experimental targets, constructs, species, and assay conditions
• Trace bioactivity records back to their original experimental context
• Resolve discrepancies between database annotations and source publications
• Document findings using concise, evidence-grounded scientific notes

Bioactivity & Assay Interpretation

• Interpret binding and functional assay results in the context of target identification
• Review data from techniques such as SPR, TR-FRET, radioligand binding, kinase assays, and GPCR functional assays
• Interpret quantitative measures including IC50, Ki, and KD
• Assess whether reported activity supports the assigned molecular target
• Recognise assay-specific limitations and sources of ambiguity

Target Assignment & Error Classification

• Flag incorrect protein assignments using a structured error taxonomy
• Classify the nature of target-mapping errors consistently
• Propose corrected UniProt accessions where supported by available evidence
• Distinguish target-level annotation errors from broader experimental or database issues
• Maintain consistent standards across high-volume review workflows

Drug Discovery Context

• Apply knowledge of target validation, biochemical profiling, and early drug discovery workflows
• Interpret protein-target evidence within SAR, HTS, selectivity, or IND-enabling contexts
• Evaluate agonist/antagonist and activator/inhibitor distinctions where relevant
• Consider selectivity and counterscreening evidence when assessing target assignments
• Connect experimental results with the intended biological mechanism

Data Quality & Scientific Documentation

• Produce concise explanations supporting validation decisions
• Ensure conclusions are traceable to primary evidence
• Maintain accuracy and consistency across database review assignments
• Identify records requiring additional investigation or specialist judgement
• Support high-quality biological data used in downstream research workflows

Ideal Profile

• Relevant professional background in pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a closely related field
• One of the following experience profiles:
  • BA/BS with 5+ years of relevant professional experience
  • MS with 2+ years of relevant professional experience
  • PhD with industry or drug-discovery research experience
• Relevant experience gained within a biotechnology company, pharmaceutical company, or CRO
• Currently active in a bench-based research scientist, scientist, or associate scientist role
• Hands-on experience with binding or functional assays such as SPR, TR-FRET, radioligand binding, kinase assays, or GPCR functional assays
• Strong understanding of bioactivity measures including IC50, Ki, and KD
• Working fluency with UniProt or closely related workflows such as SAR support, HTS, target validation, biochemical profiling, or IND-enabling studies
• Direct experience with ChEMBL, BindingDB, or PubChem is advantageous
• Selectivity profiling or counterscreening experience is advantageous
• Familiarity with agonist/antagonist versus activator/inhibitor distinctions is highly valued
• Strong scientific reading, interpretation, and evidence-documentation skills
• Must be based in the United States

Engagement Details

• Part-time independent contractor engagement
• Fully remote within the United States
• Approximately 10–20 hours per week
• Compensation: $50–$90/hour
• Immediate start
• Initial commitment of approximately 1–2 months, with likely extension
• Work includes literature review, protein-target verification, UniProt mapping, error classification, and scientific documentation
• Projects may be extended, shortened, or concluded based on project needs and performance
• Work must be completed without using confidential or proprietary information belonging to any employer, client, institution, or other third party
• H1-B and STEM OPT support is unavailable for this engagement

About the Platform

This opportunity is available through 24-MAG LLC. We connect experienced professionals with remote consulting opportunities across technical, evaluation, and project-based workstreams.

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