Orion Pharma
Translational Biology Lead, Global Translational Medicine, Oncology Therapy Area, R&D, Orion Corporation
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Job Description
Are you a visionary scientist with a passion for oncology and translational research? Do you thrive at the intersection of discovery and clinical development? 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 both 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.
This position reports to VP Global Translational Medicine as an individual contributor and can be based in Cambridge, MA, US, or Remote US East Coast, or Cambridge, UK, or in Espoo, FI (Hybrid according to Orion Policy).
Key Responsibilities
Biomarker Discovery & Assay Development
- 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. Partner with internal collaborators to identify and qualify CROs and other vendors appropriately.
- 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
Translational Research
- Partnering 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 clinical development plan
- Evaluate and implement innovative technologies and platforms that increase rigor, throughput, translational relevance, and decision quality from pre-clinical models
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What You Can Expect From Us
At Orion Pharma, your work impacts millions of lives around the world. With us, you get to work on challenges that matter and see the difference your work makes every day. We believe our people are the key to our success, which is why we invest in your continuous learning.
Our innovative products are world-class, and we take sustainability and ethics seriously. Rooted in our Nordic heritage, we value teamwork, low hierarchies, and a culture where every voice is heard.
We are builders of well-being and offer jobs with a clear purpose: helping people live their lives to the fullest.
Please visit our website to find further information about our values and Orion as an employer: https://www.orionpharma.com/careers/working-with-us/
What are we looking for?
Basic Qualifications
- PhD in Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field
- ≥4 years experience in oncology biomarkers assay development and / or preclinical research within biotech/pharma or academic
Or
- MS in Biology, Pharmacology, or related field
- ≥8 years experience in oncology biomarkers assay development and / or preclinical research within biotech/pharma or academic
- Broad subject matter 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 the appropriate application of various scientific technologies into translational insights
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong oncology drug development experience
- Familiarity with technical and regulatory considerations of clinical biomarker and CDx development
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to interact with senior leaders and external partners
- Strong external collaboration network (academia, CROs, biobanks)
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How To Apply
Please send your application with the latest CV and cover letter by July 26th, 2026.
The expected annual salary range for this position is USD 130,000–230,000 for U.S.-based candidates, depending on skills, experience, and job-related qualifications. For UK or FI -based candidates, compensation will be aligned with Orion’s salary range for the applicable grade.
We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we invite you to send your application as soon as possible.
Orion Pharma’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ around 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Cambridge and Nottingham in England, and in Cambridge, MA, US. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas.
About Us
Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.
We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.
Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.
We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.
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