Research Scientist
About The Position
ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation focused on helping bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. The Research Scientist will join ICON’s Cambridge, Massachusetts team in an on-site role, designing, conducting, and analyzing complex clinical research studies. The position focuses on multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF), digital pathology, spatial biology, image analysis, and tissue-based biomarker assays, while collaborating across departments to support clinical research and biomarker studies. The role includes developing and applying quantitative image analysis workflows, designing and optimizing mIF assays, and interpreting findings in collaboration with pathologists, bioinformaticians, and project teams. The Research Scientist will also support assay qualification and validation, laboratory operations, documentation, and continuous process improvement. The position requires adherence to ICON’s values and applicable laboratory procedures and quality standards.
Requirements
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in a life science or related discipline, with relevant experience in multiplex immunofluorescence, digital pathology, spatial biology, image analysis, or tissue-based biomarker assays.
- Experience with automated staining platforms such as Leica Bond RX, Ventana Discovery Ultra, or equivalent systems.
- Experience with multispectral or fluorescence imaging platforms such as Akoya PhenoImager/Vectra Polaris, Zeiss, Olympus, or similar systems.
- Proficiency in digital pathology and image analysis software, including Visiopharm, HALO, QuPath, inForm, or equivalent platforms.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
- Legal right to work in the country where the role is based.
Nice To Haves
- Experience using Visiopharm to develop, optimize, and apply quantitative image analysis workflows for mIF and spatial biology studies.
- Experience interpreting image analysis results to generate biologically meaningful insights supporting translational research and clinical biomarker studies.
- Familiarity with tumor immunology, immune profiling, and tissue biomarker characterization.
- Experience with digital pathology and whole-slide image management platforms such as Concentriq LS or equivalent systems.
- Experience working in a GLP, GCLP, CLIA, or similarly regulated laboratory environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, and apply quantitative image analysis workflows for multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF), tissue biomarker, and spatial biology studies.
- Collaborate with pathologists, bioinformaticians, and project teams to translate image analysis findings into biological and biomarker insights.
- Design, develop, optimize, and perform mIF assays, including tissue staining and multispectral imaging of FFPE tissue samples.
- Assist in optimizing antibody panels, fluorophore selection, and staining protocols to support assay performance and reproducibility.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure data integrity in accordance with laboratory procedures and quality standards.
- Prepare and review technical reports, data summaries, presentations, and study documentation.
- Support assay qualification, validation, and implementation activities as needed.
- Contribute to SOP development and continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and scientific advancements in multiplex immunofluorescence, digital pathology, and spatial biology.
- Present scientific findings at internal meetings and contribute to external publications and presentations, as appropriate.
- Support laboratory operations, including instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and service coordination for tissue staining, imaging, and digital pathology platforms.
- Recognize, exemplify, and adhere to ICON's values centered on People, Clients, and Performance.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary and performance-related incentives.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable.
- Retirement and pension plans.
- Life assurance and disability coverage.
- Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources.
- Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
