Translational Biology Lead, Global Translational Medicine, Oncology Therapy Area, R&D, Orion

Translational Biology Lead, Global Translational Medicine, Oncology Therapy Area, R&D, Orion Corporation

We are seeking a scientifically and technically rigorous Translational Biology Lead to advance programs and drive innovation in our oncology pipeline. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a purpose‑driven company and play a foundational role in building translational capabilities that will impact the future of oncology therapies.

This role spans biomarker discovery and assay development, as well as translational research with fit‑for‑purpose preclinical models to inform data‑driven decisions in clinical development. The successful candidate is expected to bring deep expertise in at least one of these domains, with a strong foundation and demonstrated interest in the other. The position is designed to enable cross‑functional growth, providing opportunities to expand capabilities across both areas while driving integrated, end‑to‑end translational strategies.

The position reports to VP Global Translational Medicine as an individual contributor and can be based in Cambridge, MA, US, or Remote US East Coast, Cambridge, UK, or Espoo, FI (Hybrid according to Orion Policy).

• Discover biomarkers for patient selection, target engagement, and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects.
• Drive design, development, validation, verification, and implementation of translational and clinical‑grade biomarker assays to inform essential clinical research questions.
• Ensure biomarker studies comply with GXP and other relevant regulatory standards and partner with internal collaborators to identify and qualify CROs and vendors.
• Explore and apply innovative technologies (e.g., spatial omics, digital pathology) to advance biomarker development.
• Characterize targets (expression, stability, heterogeneity) to inform indication and patient‑selection strategies.

• Partner with internal and external collaborators to develop and apply state‑of‑the‑art in vitro, in vivo, and ex‑vivo models of oncology and immuno‑oncology to inform indication selection, patient selection, mechanism of action, mechanism of resistance, and combination strategy.
• Lead study design, execution oversight, and rigorous analysis/interpretation of preclinical models to generate insights to support the clinical development plan.
• Evaluate and implement innovative technologies and platforms that increase rigor, throughput, translational relevance, and decision quality from pre‑clinical models.

• PhD in Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field with ≥4 years of experience in oncology biomarker assay development and / or preclinical research within biotech/pharma or academia.
• OR
• MS in Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field with ≥8 years of experience in oncology biomarker assay development and / or preclinical research within biotech/pharma or academia.
• Broad expertise in key technical aspects of various biomarker assays (e.g., Flow cytometry, IHC).
• Strong expertise in diverse pre‑clinical models (in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo) related to oncology and immune‑oncology.
• Demonstrated experience in applying scientific technologies to translate into actionable insights.

• Strong oncology drug development experience.
• Familiarity with technical and regulatory considerations of clinical biomarker and companion diagnostic development.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to interact with senior leaders and external partners.
• Strong external collaboration network (academia, CROs, biobanks).

• Cambridge, MA, US
• Cambridge, UK
• Espoo, FI
• Remote US East Coast