Research Scientist

Research Scientist – Cambridge, MA (On-site)

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development.

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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What ICON can offer you:

• Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

• In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

• Various annual leave entitlements

• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.

• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.

• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialized professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being.

• Life assurance

• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidized travel passes, health assessments, among others.

• If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know.

• Interested in the role, but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We would encourage you to apply regardless – there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at ICON whether it is for this or other roles.