Principal Scientist

Principal 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.

Principle Scientist - Cambridge MA- Onsite.

mIF Assay Development & Optimization:

• Design, validate, and implement multiplex immunofluorescence assays using platforms such as Akoya, Leica, or similar.
• Collaborate with pathology and immunology teams to select relevant biomarkers and tissue types.
• Ensure assay reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity across diverse sample sets.

Image Acquisition & Analysis:

• Lead image acquisition using high-resolution scanners and confocal microscopy.
• Develop and apply image analysis pipelines using software such as Visiopharm, HALO, QuPath, or CellProfiler.
• Perform quantitative spatial analysis of cellular phenotypes and tissue architecture.

Data Interpretation & Integration:

• Integrate image-derived data with other omics datasets (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics)
• Collaborate with bioinformatics and biostatistics teams to derive actionable insights
• Present findings to cross-functional teams and contribute to scientific publications and regulatory submissions.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Mentor junior scientists and research associates in mIF techniques and image analysis.
• Serve as a scientific lead in cross-functional project teams
• Stay current with technological advancements and recommend strategic innovations. 

• Work with clients to bring externally established assays and technologies in-house and/or transfer in-house assays externally as required.
• May manage analytical studies and act as scientific consultant to clients, and internal scientific consultant within Icon.
• Work with laboratory management to ensure that appropriate resources are available to complete the study to timeline. May obtain all
client specific documents required for the analysis, ie study protocol, randomization lists, COA, demographic etc.
• Prepare analysis plans suitable to the client’s needs and obtain client approval of these.
• Supervise analytical teams to ensure that study plans and validation plans, as appropriate are complied with.
• Work with clients to ensure studies are conducted in a manner compliant with the clients stated needs as defined by contract, and that the
project delivery, reporting specifics, timelines agreed to are met. Inform DM and QC/QA of deadlines.
• Maintain records of work conducted in a timely and consistent manner, sufficient to allow real-time tracking of the deliverables, including
tracking of revenue and resources associated with assigned studies. Inform stakeholder of changes to scope or timelines.
• Identify changes to scope of work and notify contracts of need for change order.
• Review all data in accordance with direction documents and ensure results are documented accurately, completely, and compliant with regulations and SOPs .
• Assist Project Leaders and lab staff in proactively identifying possible/potential implications of unusual results. Assist as required in an
investigation and report findings.
• Document all work and results accurately, completely, and compliant with regulations and SOPs.
• Lead investigations of instrumental and procedural problems.
• Evaluate new equipment or technologies and make recommendations to management on utility for the laboratory and business.
• Approve release of method development data
• Prepare reports (or oversee as appropriate) of the work conducted, address all QA findings and provide QA draft report in line with the terms and conditions stated in the signed contract.
• Ensure that all documentation is appropriately archived on completion of the study.
• Check and verify laboratory notebooks and other analytical data as required.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Immunology, Pathology, Bioengineering, or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Deep expertise in multiplex immunofluorescence and tissue-based biomarker analysis.
• Proficiency in image analysis tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, R) is highly desirable.
• Strong publication record and experience in presenting at scientific conferences.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with spatial transcriptomics or single-cell imaging technologies.
• Familiarity with clinical sample handling and regulatory standards.
• Prior work in oncology, immunology, or neuroscience is a plus.

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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.

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

At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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 or submit a request here

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.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply