Research Scientist

ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.

Research Scientist – Cambridge, MA (On-site)

We are currently seeking a Research Scientist to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Research Scientist at ICON, you will play a crucial role in designing, conducting, and analyzing complex clinical research studies. You will leverage your expertise to drive innovative research initiatives, develop scientific protocols, and collaborate across departments to ensure the successful execution of clinical trials that advance new treatments and therapies.

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
• Recognize, exemplify, and adhere to ICON's values centered on People, Clients, and Performance.

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. Experience with Visiopharm is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.

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Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.

Rewards & Benefits

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.

Benefits may include:

• 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

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.

Salary Range

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