We are sharing a specialised part-time consulting opportunity for experienced biology research scientists with hands-on expertise in protein target validation, bioactivity assays, molecular pharmacology, and drug discovery research.
This role focuses on verifying protein target assignments in large-scale bioactivity datasets using primary scientific literature and UniProt records. Selected scientists will investigate papers and patents, identify incorrect target mappings, propose corrected protein accessions, and document evidence-based scientific reasoning supporting each decision.
Key Responsibilities
Protein Target Validation
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Verify protein target assignments against primary scientific literature and UniProt records
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Determine whether assigned UniProt IDs accurately represent the proteins evaluated in underlying experiments
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Identify incorrect, ambiguous, or insufficiently supported target mappings
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Distinguish closely related proteins, isoforms, complexes, and target classes where relevant
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Apply scientific judgement to complex or incomplete experimental evidence
Primary Literature Review
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Review peer-reviewed papers, patents, and related primary sources
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Extract relevant information about experimental targets, constructs, species, and assay conditions
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Trace bioactivity records back to their original experimental context
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Resolve discrepancies between database annotations and source publications
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Document findings using concise, evidence-grounded scientific notes
Bioactivity & Assay Interpretation
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Interpret binding and functional assay results in the context of target identification
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Review data from techniques such as SPR, TR-FRET, radioligand binding, kinase assays, and GPCR functional assays
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Interpret quantitative measures including IC50, Ki, and KD
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Assess whether reported activity supports the assigned molecular target
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Recognise assay-specific limitations and sources of ambiguity
Target Assignment & Error Classification
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Flag incorrect protein assignments using a structured error taxonomy
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Classify the nature of target-mapping errors consistently
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Propose corrected UniProt accessions where supported by available evidence
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Distinguish target-level annotation errors from broader experimental or database issues
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Maintain consistent standards across high-volume review workflows
Drug Discovery Context
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Apply knowledge of target validation, biochemical profiling, and early drug discovery workflows
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Interpret protein-target evidence within SAR, HTS, selectivity, or IND-enabling contexts
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Evaluate agonist/antagonist and activator/inhibitor distinctions where relevant
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Consider selectivity and counterscreening evidence when assessing target assignments
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Connect experimental results with the intended biological mechanism
Data Quality & Scientific Documentation
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Produce concise explanations supporting validation decisions
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Ensure conclusions are traceable to primary evidence
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Maintain accuracy and consistency across database review assignments
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Identify records requiring additional investigation or specialist judgement
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Support high-quality biological data used in downstream research workflows
Ideal Profile
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Relevant professional background in pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a closely related field
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One of the following experience profiles:
- BA/BS with 5+ years of relevant professional experience
- MS with 2+ years of relevant professional experience
- PhD with industry or drug-discovery research experience
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Relevant experience gained within a biotechnology company, pharmaceutical company, or CRO
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Currently active in a bench-based research scientist, scientist, or associate scientist role
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Hands-on experience with binding or functional assays such as SPR, TR-FRET, radioligand binding, kinase assays, or GPCR functional assays
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Strong understanding of bioactivity measures including IC50, Ki, and KD
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Working fluency with UniProt or closely related workflows such as SAR support, HTS, target validation, biochemical profiling, or IND-enabling studies
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Direct experience with ChEMBL, BindingDB, or PubChem is advantageous
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Selectivity profiling or counterscreening experience is advantageous
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Familiarity with agonist/antagonist versus activator/inhibitor distinctions is highly valued
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Strong scientific reading, interpretation, and evidence-documentation skills
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Must be based in the United States
Engagement Details
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Part-time independent contractor engagement
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Fully remote within the United States
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Approximately 10–20 hours per week
- Compensation: $50–$90/hour
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Immediate start
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Initial commitment of approximately 1–2 months, with likely extension
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Work includes literature review, protein-target verification, UniProt mapping, error classification, and scientific documentation
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Projects may be extended, shortened, or concluded based on project needs and performance
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Work must be completed without using confidential or proprietary information belonging to any employer, client, institution, or other third party
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H1-B and STEM OPT support is unavailable for this engagement
About the Platform
This opportunity is available through 24-MAG LLC. We connect experienced professionals with remote consulting opportunities across technical, evaluation, and project-based workstreams.
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