# Senior Translational Scientist, Immuno-Oncology

Live page: https://affinitytalent.bio/jobs/senior-translational-scientist-immuno-oncology

## Role summary

- Series C immuno-oncology company
- Boston, MA, US
- Hybrid · Senior
- Compensation: $178k - $208k + annual bonus + equity

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 output needs to support protocol design, sample logistics, assay qualification, and early signal interpretation.

## Role details

- 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
- Business goal: Create a clinically usable translational package for a solid-tumor IO program entering the clinic
- Near-term deliverable: Lock the first-in-human biomarker package, sample plan, assay vendors, and external-lab strategy for the lead program.

## Responsibilities

- Biomarker strategy and assay prioritization: Define mechanistic, pharmacodynamic, and patient-selection biomarkers, then decide which assays are worth qualifying before study start.
- Clinical plan translation: Translate preclinical efficacy, immune profiling, and dose-response data into recommendations for biopsy strategy, sampling cadence, dose rationale, and early readouts.
- Sample and assay planning: Coordinate tumor tissue, PBMC, plasma, serum, and optional biopsy workflows with clinical development, pathology, bioanalytics, CROs, and central labs.
- Study documentation: Draft biomarker sections for clinical protocols, investigator brochures, laboratory manuals, and governance reviews.
- External partner management: Oversee CROs and central laboratories on scope of work, technical transfers, assay turnaround timelines, and 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.
- Ability to align preclinical biology findings with patient stratification, sampling cadence, 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.
- Working knowledge of clinical sample handling, assay qualification, GCLP expectations, vendor management, and central-lab or CRO oversight.