Sr. Principal Scientist (Sr. Research Scientist)

ICON plc • Lenexa, KS

6d • Onsite

About The Position

ICON is seeking a Sr. Principal Scientist (Sr. Research Scientist) in Lenexa, Kansas. The position designs, conducts, and analyzes complex clinical research studies, develops scientific protocols, and collaborates across departments to support clinical trials advancing new treatments and therapies. The role requires advanced experience in ligand binding assays, including ELISA and ECLIA, PK, PD, and immunogenicity, relevant software such as SoftMax Pro and Watson, and neutralizing antibody (NAb) assays.

The scientist independently develops ligand-binding assay methods, creates and communicates new scientific approaches, mentors junior scientists, and advises operations on developed methods. The role also contributes scientific expertise to management and business development, consults with sponsors on assay requirements, and supports external scientific communication through publications and presentations.

The position involves process development, SOP and work-instruction writing, compliance with GLP and other applicable regulations, assay development, review of colleagues’ data, and providing input to assay validation and bioanalysis teams. The scientist supports laboratory operations with assay quality, expected results, troubleshooting, and data review, and may maintain, troubleshoot, and repair advanced instrumentation with appropriate support.

Requirements

• PhD with applicable research in a relevant scientific field and at least 2 years of CRO experience, or an MS or BS in science and at least 10 years of experience in a relevant laboratory environment.
• Extensive experience in clinical research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Advanced experience in ligand-binding assays, including ELISA and ECLIA.
• Experience with PK, PD, and immunogenicity.
• Experience with relevant software, such as SoftMax Pro and Watson.
• Experience with neutralizing antibody (NAb) assays.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Legal right to work in the country where the role is based.

Nice To Haves

• Presenter or publisher in a relevant regulated field is preferred.
• A strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute experiments for ligand-binding assay method development.
• Develop new scientific approaches to method development and communicate them to the global science team.
• Mentor junior scientists and advise operations on developed methods.
• Communicate with internal teams, management, and clients about project status, scheduling, and barriers.
• Provide scientific input to management and business development regarding technology investments and service lines.
• Consult with sponsors on assay requirements for new projects to support business development.
• Promote ICON through scientific communication, including external posters and journal articles.
• Mentor and train staff on scientific topics.
• Take initiative in process development and writing SOPs and work instructions.
• Comply with GLP and other applicable regulations.
• Develop rugged and economical assays.
• Review data produced by other scientists.
• Provide assay input to validation and bioanalysis teams to support successful execution.
• Support laboratory operations staff on assay quality, expected results, troubleshooting, and data review.
• May perform and document maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on advanced instrumentation with support from service engineers or trained supervisory personnel.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree