About Akoya Biosciences, Inc.

As The Spatial Biology Company®, Akoya Biosciences’ mission is to bring context to the world of biology and human health through the power of spatial phenotyping. The company offers comprehensive single-cell imaging solutions that allow researchers to phenotype cells with spatial context and visualize how they organize and interact to influence disease progression and response to therapy. Akoya offers a full continuum of spatial phenotyping solutions to serve the diverse needs of researchers across discovery, translational and clinical research: PhenoCode™ Panels and PhenoCycler®, PhenoImager® Fusion, and PhenoImager HT Instruments.

Job Description Summary

We are looking to hire a Staff Scientist candidate to join the R&D Instruments & Systems team in Marlborough, MA. This individual will develop and optimize assay automation workflows for Akoya’s PhenoCycler® and PhenoImager® platforms. Core responsibilities for this individual include designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, synthesizing conclusions, and presenting results to the broader group. This role is highly independent and involves significant benchwork and experiment execution. A variety of techniques and methodologies will be used, including immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and DNA-hybridization assays. A successful candidate for this position will have strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to break down complex projects into tractable experimental designs. We are looking for a motivated and curious individual to become a relied-upon subject matter expert and leader within a cross-functional product development team. This candidate would ideally have experience in a multi-disciplinary setting with a proven track record of collaboration with other team members to deliver on a complex technical need, preferably in the context of product development. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a broad understanding of Akoya instrument platforms and end-to-end assay workflows.
• Develop deep expertise in fluidics automation and histological aspects of Akoya platforms, including how these relate to assay performance.
• Perform and analyze immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining and imaging of tissue sections.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute experiments to investigate assay performance, failure modes, usability, and reliability.
• Develop and validate user-facing workflow procedures and automation routines.
• Develop and validate image analysis routines to assess quality of staining and imaging.
• Perform technical root cause assessment within multi-factor systems and propose remedies.
• Document experimental results during product development, verification, and sustaining phases in an ISO-13485 environment.
• Present technical results and training material to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Manage operations of a small laboratory, including procurement and equipment maintenance aligned with Akoya’s quality processes.
• Collaborate with immediate team members and cross functional groups to accomplish specific tasks and team objectives within project timelines.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Skills

• D. in biomedical engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, or related field. 
• 5 years of experience in biotechnology industry.
• 2 years in commercial product development role in ISO-9001 or ISO-13485 environment preferred.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.
• Experience planning scope and timelines for complex experiments.
• Experience managing laboratory operations and procurement.
• Experience with automated fluidics instruments is preferred.
• Experience with scripting and developing quantitative image assessments is preferred.
• Experience creating user-facing documentation is preferred.
• Methodical troubleshooting skills with a curiosity-driven approach to problem solving.
• Analytical and diagnostic skills to identify root causes in multi-disciplinary systems.
• Ability to work independently on complex projects. 
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects with evolving priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with the following fields preferred: cancer immunotherapy, immunology, oncology, spatial biology.

The hiring range for this position is $133,000 - $176,000 per year, which may factor in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Akoya’s excellent benefits program includes a selection of Medical and Dental plans, and Life, AD&D and Short-Term Disability insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) with immediate Company match vesting, Company paid holidays and more!

Akoya values bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.