Senior Translational Scientist, Immuno-Oncology
Build the biomarker strategy for a solid-tumor immuno-oncology program moving toward first-in-human studies.
About the role
The company is advancing a next-generation immuno-oncology program for solid tumors where patient selection, tumor immune context, and pharmacodynamic readouts will matter early. You will work with discovery, clinical, pathology, bioanalytical, and central laboratory teams to turn preclinical IO biology into a practical clinical biomarker plan. The role is program-facing: the output needs to support protocol design, sample logistics, assay qualification, and early signal interpretation.
- Team: Translational group of 4 working with discovery, clinical, and bioanalytics
- Stage: Series C oncology company preparing an IO program for its next IND and first-in-human plan
- Reporting line: Executive Director, Translational Science
- Experience: Advanced degree with 6+ years in oncology translational science or biomarker strategy
- Rhythm: Hybrid with regular cross-functional meetings in Boston and periodic external-lab travel
Responsibilities
- Define mechanistic, pharmacodynamic, and patient-selection biomarkers, then decide which assays are worth qualifying before study start.
- Translate preclinical efficacy, immune profiling, and dose-response data into recommendations for biopsy strategy, sampling cadence, dose rationale, and early readouts.
- Coordinate tumor tissue, PBMC, plasma, serum, and optional biopsy workflows with clinical development, pathology, bioanalytics, CROs, and central labs.
- Draft biomarker sections for clinical protocols, investigator brochures, laboratory manuals, and high-level governance reviews.
- Summarize structured biomarker findings, technical risks, and ongoing biological questions for broad program review meetings.
- Oversee CROs and central laboratories to direct scope of work, technical transfers, assay turnaround timelines, and stringent data quality control.
Requirements
- Advanced degree with 6+ years of biopharma experience in oncology or immuno-oncology translational science, biomarker strategy, or related program-facing work.
- Substantial ownership of biomarker strategy for preclinical-to-clinic or early clinical programs.
- Strong ability to align preclinical biology findings with actionable clinical factors such as patient stratification, sampling cadences, and early clinical signal interpretation.
- Practical knowledge of IO biomarker assays such as multiplex IHC/IF, high-parameter flow cytometry, CyTOF, NGS biomarkers, ctDNA, cytokine panels, or circulating protein assays.
- Experience contributing translational sections for protocol synopses, sample handling manuals, investigator brochures, or study team reviews.
- Working knowledge of clinical sample handling, assay qualification, GCLP expectations, vendor management, and central-lab or CRO oversight.
Preferred qualifications
- Prior expertise operating with paired biopsies, immune-cell phenotyping, or complex peripheral blood monitoring in clinical oncology trials.
- In-depth knowledge of central-lab deployment and assay transferring processes.
- Strong history of interacting with KOLs, clinical investigators, and targeted pathology laboratories.
Technical stack
- translational strategy
- biomarker development
- sample strategy
- tumor/PBMC/plasma workflows
- clinical protocols
- multiplex IHC/IF
- flow cytometry/CyTOF
- circulating protein assays
- NGS/ctDNA
- assay qualification
- CRO management
- clinical data review
What we offer
- Base salary: $178k - $208k
- Equity / upside: Equity grant plus annual cash bonus.
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), commuter support, and relocation assistance.
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