Treeline · 22 hours ago
Senior Scientist, Biophysics
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$152K/yr - $174K/yr
6+ years expTreeline is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist in Biophysics to join their San Diego team to drive small molecule drug discovery. The role involves designing and executing biophysical strategies, characterizing interactions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance drug development.
BiotechnologyHealth CareLife ScienceMedicalPrecision Medicine
Responsibilities
Propose, design, develop, and execute biophysical assays to support hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization activities
Establish robust SPR assays for small‑molecule interaction analysis, including hit triage, affinity/kinetic characterization, and mechanism-of-action studies
Efficiently utilize a suite of biophysical techniques to advance drug discovery: primarily SPR but also including DSF, DLS, and others through in-house and CRO capabilities
Employ biophysical methods to mechanistically deconvolute the molecular mechanism of action of small molecule hits
Effectively analyze, interpret, and communicate biophysical data as a subject matter expert and biophysics representative on project teams
In collaboration with chemistry, biology, lead discovery, and medicine design, characterize and establish SAR to rapidly drive the hit-to-lead process
Propose and evaluate new approaches and technologies
Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional partnership within a dynamic matrixed environment
Qualification
Required
PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Biology or related discipline with 2-3 years of relevant postdoctoral training
4+ years of biotech/pharma experience with a demonstrated impact in hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization for small-molecule programs
Expertise in quantitative biophysical assay development, especially SPR for small‑molecule drug discovery. Hands-on experience characterizing protein–ligand interactions, including affinity, kinetics, stoichiometry, and mechanism
Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of an array of biophysical methods with proven hands-on expertise applying biophysics for interaction analysis. Expertise with MST/SS, DSF, MS, or NMR are 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
Preferred
Ability to lead in a matrix environment, and for example, act as point of contact on project teams
Experience with fragment-based lead discovery, covalent lead discovery, and DEL are a plus
Strong hands-on biochemistry experience or expertise in enzymology
Working knowledge of adjacent disciplines (biochemistry, structural biology, protein purification, biology, chemistry)
Experience in working with challenging proteins
Experience working with CROs
Company
Treeline
Treeline (or Treeline Biosciences) is a privately held, clinical-stage biopharma company that aspires to make medicines at the highest level.
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Treeline has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (4)
2023 (3)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$1.09BKey Investors
AI Life Sciences Investments LLCKohlberg Kravis Roberts
2025-09-03Series A· $200M
2024-10-17Undisclosed· $421M
2022-10-11Series A· $261.27M
Leadership Team
Spencer Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2025-10-04
2025-10-01
Genetic Engineering News
2025-09-30
Company data provided by crunchbase