Team Lead, Biophysical Core Facility

Team Lead, Biophysical Core Facility

Discovery Biology - Protein Sciences, Structure & Biophysics 

Bengaluru, India

Position Summary

The Team Lead, Biophysical Core Facility will provide scientific and operational leadership for a portfolio of clients and internal discovery programs. The individual will be responsible for designing and executing biophysical characterization studies, managing project delivery and mentoring junior scientists.

Working closely with the Biophysical Core Facility Lead, the Team Lead will ensure high-quality data generation, efficient resource utilization, and timely delivery of project milestones across multiple therapeutic modalities in large and small drug discovery platforms. This role requires strong technical expertise in biomolecular characterization, excellent client communication skills in a dynamic CRO environment.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership

• Serve as scientific lead for assigned client programs requiring biomolecular interaction analysis.
• Design and implement experimental strategies for biophysical methods and data interpretation.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support for complex scientific challenges.
• Interpret experimental data and generate scientifically rigorous conclusions and recommendations.
• Ensure scientific excellence, data integrity, and reproducibility across all studies.

Project Delivery and Client Support

• Lead execution of multiple client projects while ensuring adherence to timeline and quality.
• Act as a biophysical SME contact for assigned clients and participate in cross-functional technical discussions and data presentations.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and client-ready presentations.
• Identify project risks and proactively recommend mitigation strategies.

Technical and Platform Responsibilities

• Independently operate and oversee biophysical technologies including:
• Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR, Biacore instruments)
• Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI, Octet instruments)
• Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF, NanoTemper instruments)
• Dynamic and Static Light Scattering (DLS/SLS, NanoTemper instruments)
• Develop and maintain SOPs, quality standards, and best practices.
• Support maintenance, troubleshooting, and utilization of facility instrumentation.
• Contribute to evaluation and implementation of new technologies and workflows.

Team Leadership

• Provide day-to-day supervision and mentoring for a team of 2-4 Scientists and Research Associates.
• Assign work, monitor progress, and ensure timely delivery of project objectives.
• Conduct performance reviews and contribute to talent development plans.
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, accountability, and client focus.
• Escalate resource or project concerns appropriately to the Biophysical Core Facility Lead.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Protein Sciences, Assay Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Project Management teams.
• Integrate biophysical findings with biochemical and functional datasets to support decision-making.

Operational Excellence and Quality

• Ensure compliance with SOPs, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and documentation.
• Support client inspections and quality assessments where applicable.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline.

OR

• Master's degree (MSc/MTech) with significant industrial experience and demonstrated technical expertise in biophysical sciences.

Experience

• Ph.D. with 5-8 years of relevant industry experience, or
• MSc/MTech with 10-12 years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience supporting drug discovery, biologics characterization, or biophysical service platforms.
• Prior experience leading small scientific teams and managing project deliverables is preferred.
• CRO, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry experience strongly preferred.

Technical Expertise

Strong knowledge and practical experience in:

• Biomolecular interaction analysis (Protein-protein, protein-small molecule, DNA/RNA-small molecule, peptide-protein)
• Binding kinetics and affinity determination
• Protein/Antibody stability and developability assessment
• Aggregation and formulation characterization
• Mechanism-of-action investigations
• Antibody and biologics characterization

Hands-on expertise with:

• Biacore SPR platforms
• Octet BLI systems
• NanoTemper instruments

Knowledge of:

• Biologics discovery and development
• Small-molecule drug discovery
• ADCs, bispecifics, peptides, and novel therapeutic modalities
• Data analysis and statistical tools

Leadership Competencies

• Scientific problem solving
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Client engagement and relationship management
• Project planning and execution
• Operational discipline and accountability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Success Profile

The ideal candidate is a technically strong biophysical scientist who can effectively bridge hands-on experimentation, scientific leadership, and client engagement. They are capable of independently leading complex projects, mentoring junior scientists, and partnering with the Biophysical Core Facility Lead to deliver world-class biophysical solutions that accelerate client drug discovery programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

It is the policy of Syngene to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable legislation or local law. In addition, Syngene will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.