Senior Scientist - Spatial Biology

Senior Scientist – Spatial Biology (Fixed-Term Contract)

This fixed-term Senior Scientist role focuses on applying advanced spatial multi-omic platforms to clinical FFPE tissue specimens in support of a strategic pharmaceutical collaboration. The position centers on novel immuno-oncology mechanism discovery, with a particular emphasis on characterizing T-cell states and TCR engagement within the tumor microenvironment. The scientist will own the full experimental pipeline, from tissue processing and assay execution through data generation, quality control, and delivery of analysis-ready datasets.

This is a hands-on, execution-focused role for an experienced spatial biologist who can operate independently within a defined project timeline and deliverable schedule over a 29-week contract.

Responsibilities

• Execute spatial multi-omic assays on FFPE tissue specimens following established standard operating procedures, adapting protocols as needed to address tissue-specific challenges.
• Own end-to-end sample processing, including tissue quality control and triage, coordination of sectioning, staining, probe hybridization, and instrument run setup.
• Perform single-cell spatial data generation across imaging cycles, ensuring robust data capture and consistency throughout the workflow.
• Conduct real-time quality control of assays and instrument performance, promptly flagging, troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues.
• Curate, quality-check, and package datasets for delivery to internal stakeholders and external collaborators within agreed timelines.
• Maintain clear chain-of-custody and version control for all datasets and deliverables to ensure traceability and data integrity.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, including run logs, QC reports, protocol deviations, and troubleshooting documentation.
• Communicate progress, data quality issues, and key results clearly and promptly to project leads and cross-functional teams through verbal updates and written reports.
• Collaborate closely with bioinformatics and data science partners to ensure that data formats and metadata meet downstream analysis requirements.
• Handle and maintain biological specimens, including BSL-2 tissues, in strict compliance with institutional biosafety requirements.
• Work closely with internal R&D teams and the collaborator's research group to align experimental execution with project goals and timelines.
• Operate independently in a hands-on wet-lab environment, managing multiple experiments and deliverables against a defined project schedule.

Essential Skills

• PhD in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biophysics, chemical biology, cancer biology, or a related discipline with 3+ years of post-graduate experience.
• Hands-on experience with spatial biology platforms (such as Cos Mx or comparable systems), including direct wet-bench operation rather than analysis-only work.
• Strong background in FFPE tissue processing, including preparation, handling, and optimization for spatial assays.
• Demonstrated expertise in in situ hybridization techniques applied to tissue specimens.
• Proficiency in immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods for tissue-based assays.
• Working knowledge of tumor immunology and T-cell biology, including familiarity with the tumor microenvironment.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and multi-cycle or multiplexed imaging workflows.
• Proven ability to independently execute, troubleshoot, and perform quality control on complex assays against defined delivery timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data and findings to both scientific and program-management audiences.
• Ability to work on-site to perform wet-lab activities and operate instruments in alignment with hybrid schedule requirements.
• Experience maintaining detailed laboratory records, including run logs, QC documentation, and deviation reports.
• Demonstrated capability to manage chain-of-custody and version control for experimental datasets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with clinical tissue specimens, particularly in immuno-oncology research contexts.
• Familiarity with T-cell receptor engagement and characterization of T-cell states within the tumor microenvironment.
• Comfort collaborating with cross-functional teams, including R&D scientists, program managers, and external partners.
• Experience supporting strategic collaborations or partnered research projects with defined milestones and deliverables.
• Ability to adapt and refine SOPs for spatial multi-omic assays based on tissue-specific or project-specific requirements.
• Experience coordinating closely with bioinformatics or data science teams to align experimental outputs with downstream analytical needs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple samples, experiments, and timelines in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

The role is primarily laboratory-based, with responsibilities split between wet bench work and quality control…