Research Scientist

 

The Scientist will provide scientific and technical leadership for the AIR and Routine IHC team, with responsibility for leading (but not limited to) complex, high-priority projects, and expanding the scope and capabilities of AIR and IHC services.

The Scientist will independently design and execute experiments, develop and optimize assays and protocols, troubleshoot complex technical challenges, interpret scientific data, and provide expert guidance on immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF), RNA in-situ hybridization, and related biomarker applications.

The role will also contribute to the development of new services, products, and scientific capabilities while mentoring junior scientists and supporting the continued growth and efficiency of the AIR and IHC team.

General Responsibilities

• Lead complex AIR projects from experimental design through execution, data interpretation, and final reporting.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature to identify and recommend appropriate antibodies, biomarkers, assays, and methodologies for IHC, IF, mIF, and RNAscope/HCR applications.
• Design, develop, optimize, and independently execute IHC, IF, mIF, RNAscope/HCR assays.
• Develop and optimize new protocols, assays, products, and scientific services to expand AIR and IHC capabilities.
• Troubleshoot complex technical and quality issues and collaborate with histology staff, pathologists, and other scientific personnel to ensure high-quality results and slide QC.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies and recommend their adoption when they provide scientific or operational value.
• Lead scientific discussions and project update meetings with clients.
• Provide scientific guidance and technical support to Sales and Project Management teams during project planning, execution, and troubleshooting.
• Write, review, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, protocols, and other technical documentation.
• Maintain accurate and complete experimental records and document project progress, results, and deviations in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Ensure that experimental procedures and documentation comply with established quality standards and internal procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of scientific and quality processes.

Principal Working Relationships

1. Reports to the AIR/IHC Supervisor
2. Works closely on a daily basis with scientists, histologists, pathologists, project managers, sales personnel, and other members of the AIR and IHC teams.
3. Serves as a scientific project lead and primary scientific contact for assigned client projects.
4. Provides scientific mentorship, technical guidance, and training to junior team members.
5. Collaborates with internal teams to plan, execute, troubleshoot, and deliver client projects.
6. Interacts with clients and external scientific collaborators regarding experimental design, technical requirements, project progress, results, and scientific interpretation.
7. Interacts with professional organizations, scientific societies, regulatory bodies, and other external stakeholders as required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related life sciences field; M.S. with substantial relevant industry experience may also be considered.
• Strong hands-on experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques.
• Experience with antibody optimization, assay development, troubleshooting, and validation, including evaluation of staining specificity, sensitivity, background, and appropriate controls.
• Strong understanding of tissue biology, histology, biomarkers, and experimental design.
• Experience working with FFPE and/or frozen tissue samples from human or preclinical species.
• Ability to independently analyze experimental results, identify potential sources of assay failure, and develop appropriate troubleshooting strategies.
• Experience with automated staining platforms, such as the Leica BOND RX, is preferred.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, including accurate maintenance of experimental records, protocols, reagent information, and project documentation.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced CRO environment where project priorities and experimental requirements may vary across clients.
• Ability to train and mentor junior laboratory staff and provide technical guidance on assay execution and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with GLP, GCLP, CLIA/CAP, or other regulated laboratory environments is beneficial but not required.