Description
ICON is seeking a Research Scientist to join their team in Cambridge, MA. As a Research Scientist at ICON, you will play a crucial role in designing, conducting, and analyzing complex clinical research studies.
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 actionable biological and biomarker insights.
- Design, develop, optimize, and perform mIF assays, including tissue staining and multispectral imaging of FFPE tissue samples, using platforms such as Akoya Biosciences (Phenoptics/PhenoImager), Leica Bond RX, or similar technologies.
- Assist in the optimization of 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 coordination of service activities for tissue staining, imaging, and digital pathology platforms
Preferred Experience:
- 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 that support 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.
Qualifications:
- 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.
Rewards & Benefits:
- Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
- Health and wellbeing programmes including 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