Senior Research Scientist

Senior Research Scientist- Cambridge MA- on site

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development

Senior Research Scientist – Cambridge MA- on site. 

We are currently seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Senior Research Scientist at ICON, you will play a crucial role in designing, conducting, and analyzing complex clinical research studies. You will leverage your expertise to drive innovative research initiatives, develop scientific protocols, and collaborate across departments to ensure the successful execution of clinical trials that advance new treatments and therapies.

Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and validate multiplex immunofluorescence assays using platforms such as Akoya Biosciences (Phenoptics), Leica Bond RX, or similar.

Perform tissue staining, imaging, and quantitative analysis of FFPE and frozen tissue samples.

Collaborate with pathologists, bioinformaticians, and project teams to interpret spatial biology data and integrate findings into broader research objectives.

Lead troubleshooting and optimization of antibody panels, fluorophore selection, and signal amplification strategies.

Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure data integrity and reproducibility.

Mentor junior scientists and research associates in mIF techniques and best practices.

Contribute to scientific publications, regulatory submissions, and presentations at internal and external meetings.

Recognize, exemplify, and adhere to ICON's values which center around our commitment to People Clients and Performance.

As a member of staff, the employee I expected to embrace and contribute to our culture of process improvement with a focus on streamlining our processes adding value to our business and meeting client needs.
• Independently manage all aspects of assay validations, experiments, and data analysis
• Review data presentations for accuracy and clarity prior to sharing with sponsors
• Educate ICON colleagues regarding new developments in testing methods and technologies
• Provide technical input for ICON Marketing collateral, attend conferences, publish papers in the peer-reviewed literature
• Drive new business by consulting with sponsors on assay requirements for new projects
• Collaborate with inter-departmental functions to write and review validation plans, reports and SOP’s
• Assist departmental Director with proposals and pricing for new opportunities. 
• Lead assay transfers to other ICON lab locations
• Participate in lab management meetings, as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience:

Experience working in a GLP/GCLP or CLIA-regulated environment.

Familiarity with digital pathology and integration of mIF data with other omics platforms.

Prior involvement in clinical trial biomarker development or companion diagnostics.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Immunology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 5+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience in tissue-based assays. MS and BS considered with appropriate experience.

Proven expertise in multiplex immunofluorescence, including panel design, antibody validation, and image analysis.

Hands-on experience with automated staining platforms (e.g., Leica Bond RX, Ventana Discovery Ultra) and imaging systems (e.g., Vectra Polaris, Zeiss, Olympus).

Proficiency in image analysis software such as Visiopharm, inForm, HALO, QuPath, or similar.

Strong understanding of tumor microenvironment, immune profiling, and spatial biology.

Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

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What ICON can offer you:

Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

• Various annual leave entitlements

• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.

• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.

• Global Employ