Company

Novalix is a Drug Discovery CRO headquartered in Strasbourg, France, owned by its executive management, scientific founders, and employees. For more than two decades, Novalix has delivered high‑quality chemistry and biophysics services to a broad range of partners, from virtual biotech companies to global pharmaceutical players. Novalix is recognized for its scientific rigor, flexibility, and client‑centric approach, and for pioneering innovative collaboration models including insourcing and risk‑sharing partnerships.

Position Overview

This role represents a strategic first scientific hire for Novalix in the United States. The selected candidate will be employed by Novalix LLC and will be based at Novalix premises located within the Bruker Demo Lab in Billerica, Massachusetts.

In this role, you will lead Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and switchSENSE projects and contribute to NMR‑related activities. You will be the first member of Novalix’s US‑based biophysics team. While working autonomously on site in Billerica, you will be fully integrated into Novalix’s global biophysics organization, working closely with the SPR team and Head of SPR, as well as with the NMR expert team, all based in Strasbourg, France.

This position offers a unique opportunity to build, shape, and grow Novalix’s US biophysics presence, combining senior‑level scientific responsibility with client interaction and close collaboration with Novalix’s US Business Development team.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific & Technical Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and perform SPR experiments on Bruker SPR platforms (including fragment screening).

• Conduct switchSENSE experiments on Helix and proFIRE instruments.

• Manage the full experimental pipeline in Billerica, including assay design, preparation of dilution series, handling of small molecules in DMSO, protein immobilization or coupling to oligonucleotide conjugates, data analysis, and troubleshooting.

• Develop and implement innovative experimental strategies to highlight the strengths of each instrument, improve workflows, and enhance data quality.

• Lead biomolecular interaction characterization projects for clients, ensuring scientific excellence, on‑time delivery, project monitoring, client reporting, and preparation of procedures and technical reports.

NMR‑Related Activities

• Contribute to NMR projects performed in Billerica by providing wet‑lab experimental support, including sample preparation and coordination with the Strasbourg‑based NMR team.

Client & Commercial Interface

• Serve as the primary scientific point of contact for US‑based clients for biophysics services, particularly SPR and switchSENSE.

• Work closely with Novalix’s US Business Development Directors, the Head of SPR and the director of Biophysics to support opportunity qualification, proposal development, scientific discussions, and project initiation.

• Host and participate in on‑site client visits, scientific meetings, and technical or commercial presentations, playing a key role in building client trust and long‑term partnerships.

US Site & Operations Ownership

• Act as the local scientific owner of Novalix’s biophysics activities at the Billerica site, ensuring smooth day‑to‑day laboratory operations in a shared Bruker environment.

• Ensure compliance with Novalix SOPs, data integrity standards, and safety requirements.

• Proactively identify operational or scientific risks and escalate them appropriately to management in Strasbourg.

• Contribute to the definition, implementation, and continuous improvement of workflows, SOPs, and best practices for US‑based activities.

Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular, structured updates (written and oral) on project status, pipeline, and site activities to the Head of SPR and relevant members of Novalix management, ensuring transparency and alignment despite geographic distance.

Profile

Education & Experience

• PhD in biophysics or a closely related discipline, with proven expertise in Surface Plasmon Resonance.

• At least 5–6 years of hands‑on experience in biophysical experiments, sample preparation, and critical analysis of biophysical data, ideally in a life science, CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment.

Required Technical Skills

• Excellent proficiency in operating, maintaining, and developing methods for SPR instruments (Cytiva Biacore and/or Bruker platforms).

• Strong practical expertise in sample preparation, including dilution series, handling of small molecules in DMSO, and application of multiple immobilization strategies for recombinant proteins.

• Additional knowledge of other biophysical methods and/or protein purification is a plus.

Soft Skills & Mindset

• Highly autonomous, organized, and rigorous, with strong documentation and reporting skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while being fully engaged as part of a global team.

• Strong service and client‑centric mindset, with the ability to interact credibly with scientists, project leaders, and business development colleagues.

• Proactive, responsive, and comfortable operating in an environment with evolving processes and responsibilities.

We are seeking someone passionate about SPR and motivated by scientific challenges, with a strong sense of ownership, excellent problem‑solving abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Curiosity, openness to learning, enthusiasm for acquiring new biophysical skills, and a genuine team spirit will be key to success in this role.

What Success Looks Like

• Within 6–12 months, the US biophysics laboratory is fully operational and trusted by internal teams and external clients.

• SPR and switchSENSE projects are delivered on time, with high scientific quality and positive client feedback.

• The scientist is recognized internally and externally as a reliable scientific partner and a key contributor to Novalix’s commercial growth in the United States.