Principal Scientist for High Throughput Biochemistry

The Position

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lab Head / Principal Scientist to join our matrix‑structured global High‑Throughput Biology (HTB) organization. In this role, you will lead a laboratory focused on high‑throughput screening and profiling assays and play a key role in the identification and validation of chemical starting points for drug discovery programs.

You will act as a discipline representative for HTB, driving scientific excellence, assay innovation, and strong collaboration across Drug Discovery Sciences, Therapeutic Areas and Medicinal Chemistry.

Tasks & responsibilities

  • In your new role, you will provide scientific and strategic guidance to enable high‑quality and efficient project support.
  • Furthermore, you will design, develop, and implement robust biochemical assays to support hit finding, screening cascades, and early compound optimization, utilizing a broad range of high‑throughput technologies, including in-/external approaches.
  • You will define and drive screening strategies for chemical starting points, including assay selection, data quality assessment, and interpretation of screening outcomes.
  • Moreover, as an HTB discipline expert, you will represent HTB in cross‑disciplinary project teams and actively contribute to scientific and technological innovation and serve as an expert for biophysical assays including DEL, SPR/DSF, AS-MS, spectral-shift, etc.
  • As a DDS / HTB Lead, you will collaborate closely with partners in Therapeutic Areas, Medicinal Chemistry, Structural Research and DMPK to identify key scientific needs, set priorities, and jointly define hit‑finding and early drug discovery strategies.
  • In addition, you will mentor and develop team members, foster a culture of scientific rigor and collaboration, and prioritize workloads in alignment with the objectives of the global HTB organization.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacology, or a related life‑science discipline, with longstanding experience, preferably in an industrial drug discovery setting
  • Strong expertise in high‑throughput assay development, screening and compound profiling, with a solid background in biochemical and/or biophysical assay systems
  • Sound knowledge of enzymology to address molecular pharmacology questions, including mode‑of‑action studies
  • Solid understanding of assay robustness and data quality requirements for HTS performance, incl. relevant screening statistics
  • Additional expertise in DNA‑Encoded Library (DEL) screening and follow‑up workflows, mass spectrometry‑based screening or affinity-selection MS and Biophysical assays (e.g., SPR, MST, nanoDSF) is an advantage
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to operate effectively in multidisciplinary and matrix environments
  • Proven leadership capabilities and a strong commitment to talent development and scientific excellence

Applications from persons with severe disabilities are warmly welcomed. In cases of equal qualifications, such applicants will be given preferential consideration in the selection process.

Ready to contact us? 

If you have any questions about the job posting or process - please contact our HR Direct Team, Tel: +49 (0) 6132 77-3330 or via mail: hr.de@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Recruitment process:

Step 1: Online application - The job posting is presumably online until 10.05.2026. We reserve the right to take the posting offline beforehand. Applications up to 11.05.2026 are guaranteed to be considered.
Step 2: Virtual meeting in the period from 27.04. – 19.05.2026
Step 3: On-site interviews beginning of end of May

Please submit your application documents in English.