Senior Scientist, High-Content Imaging & Cell-Based Assay Development

Company Overview
We’re looking for teammates who relish the challenge and are compelled to leave a positive mark on the lives of the patients we serve. If embracing creativity and candor, thriving on challenges, and empowering your teammates to succeed excites you, join us as we champion hope and advance therapies for cystic kidney disease.
The Role
Renasant Bio is seeking a Senior Scientist with deep expertise in cell-based assay development, 3D cellular systems, high-content imaging, and phenotypic assays to lead and expand our discovery platform for kidney diseases. You will manage and mentor a small team, own assay strategy from concept to deployment, and partner cross-functionally to execute disease relevant assays that drive target validation and lead optimization. The ideal candidate blends hands-on technical strength with rigorous data analytics and a builder’s mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop junior scientists; set goals, review data, and ensure on-time, high-quality execution.
• Design, optimize, and execute 2D and 3D cell-based imaging assays for phenotypic assay validation and MoA exploration.
• Establish rigorous QC metrics, TPP-aligned acceptance criteria, and SOPs enabling internal use and CRO tech transfer.
• Build high-content screening workflows for target validation
• Implement pipelines for image processing, feature extraction, normalization, and data visualization/dashboards; drive data-driven decision-making.
• Integrate automated liquid handling and scheduling (e.g., Tecan) to boost throughput and reproducibility; monitor assay health over time.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, and translational teams to align assays to program strategy and timelines.
• Manage external collaborations/CROs and contribute to study design, tech transfer, and data reviews.
• Stay current on advances in kidney disease biology, 3D models, imaging, and screening technologies; propose platform innovations.
• Communicate results and recommendations to internal/external stakeholders with clarity and influence. Effectively document experimental analyses.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering, or related field with 5+ years industry experience in small-molecule drug discovery.
• Proven track record developing quantitative high-content imaging assays and phenotypic screens in mammalian systems.
• Hands-on expertise with 3D cultures and assay characterization for translational relevance.
• Experience with assay automation and miniaturization; strong understanding of plate-based statistics (Z’, %CV, S/B, controls).
• Proficiency with imaging analysis platforms (e.g. ImageJ/Fiji, MetaXpress, Zen, Cell profiler); working ability in Python/R/SQL for image/feature analytics preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and people in a fast-paced setting; excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for advancing therapies for kidney disease and solving complex biological problems with rigor and creativity.

We believe in building balanced teams. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.