Bioanalytical Scientist / Research Associate (Large Molecule Bioanalysis)

Ridgeline Discovery, a Versant Ventures Discovery Engine, creates and operates Versant-financed innovative biotech companies in partnership with entrepreneurs, industry, and leading academics across Europe. In recent years, Ridgeline has assembled an international team of >50 highly experienced drug discovery and industry professionals and built and operated multiple new successful companies; these companies have raised significant funds through Series B, IPO and an exit through a trade sale.

We are seeking a highly motivated Bioanalytical Scientist / Research Associate to support the development and execution of bioanalytical strategies for large molecule therapeutics. The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing, developing, qualifying, validating, troubleshooting, and overseeing immunoassays used to support preclinical and clinical studies.
This position combines hands-on laboratory work with external study coordination, requiring close collaboration with contract research organizations (CROs), project teams, and cross-functional stakeholders. The ideal candidate is scientifically rigorous, highly organized, and experienced in bioanalytical support for complex biologic modalities.

Key Responsibilities

Bioanalytical Assay Development & Validation

• Design, develop, optimize, qualify, and validate bioanalytical methods for large molecule therapeutics.
• Establish, develop, and perform immunoassays, including ligand-binding assays (LBAs) such as ELISA, MSD/ECL, Gyrolab, and related platforms.
• Lead assay troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Generate robust bioanalytical data to support pharmacokinetic (PK), immunogenicity (ADA/NAb), and biomarker assessments.
• Ensure assays are fit-for-purpose and compliant with applicable regulatory guidance and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the scientific interpretation of bioanalytical data and preparation of study reports.
• Analyze, document, and communicate experimental results clearly and accurately.
• Maintain relevant laboratory documentation, assay procedures, and validation records.

CRO Management & External Collaboration

• Serve as the bioanalytical point of contact for external CRO partners.
• Coordinate assay transfer, method development, qualification, validation, and sample analysis activities conducted by CROs.
• Review study protocols, validation plans, data packages, and final reports.
• Monitor study timelines, deliverables, data quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with internal project teams to ensure timely delivery of bioanalytical support across programs.
• Provide scientific oversight of outsourced bioanalytical activities and contribute to vendor selection and performance evaluation.

Qualifications

Education

• MSc in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, or a related field with relevant industry experience; or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.

Experience

• 3+ years (Research Associate) or 5+ years (Scientist) of relevant experience in bioanalysis of large molecule therapeutics within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or contract research laboratory environments.
• Proven hands-on experience developing, qualifying, validating, overseeing, and troubleshooting immunoassays.
• Experience supporting pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity, and biomarker bioanalysis programs.
• Experience managing outsourced bioanalytical activities and working effectively with CROs.

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in ligand-binding assays and immunoassay platforms (ELISA, MSD/ECL, Gyrolab, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations and guidance for bioanalytical method validation.
• Strong data analysis, interpretation, and scientific reporting skills.
• Experience working in GxP-regulated environments is an advantage.
• Experience with MS applications for complex therapeutic modalities is considered a plus

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, proactive, and solution-oriented scientist.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across internal and external teams.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.