Sr Scientist - Oncology Research

About Leona:

LeonaBio, Inc., headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for high unmet medical needs, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and treatment-resistant metastatic breast cancer, with the goal of improving patients lives. Our lead drug candidates, lasofoxifene and ATH-1105, are novel, small molecule therapies with the potential to address devastating diseases where current treatment options are limited or ineffective. With a strong commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered innovation, we are dedicated to developing meaningful new therapies for those who need them most.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to lead and execute laboratory research supporting oncology drug development programs.

This role will focus on advancing our understanding of tumor biologyanddrug mechanisms of action,with an emphasis on generating data that informs translational and clinical development.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in oncology research and has experience or interest in immuno-oncology and tumor microenvironment biology, as well as a strong foundation in mechanisms of resistance and cell signaling pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead in vitro and ex vivo studies to evaluate therapeutic activity across cancer models
  
• Investigatedrug mechanisms of action, resistance biology, and pathway modulation
• Generate hypotheses that support translational strategy and clinical development
  
• Independently plan, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, including cell-based assays (viability, signaling, functional assays), molecular biology techniques (Western blot, qPCR, ELISA, etc.), and immune-relevant assay systems
  
• Develop and optimize assays to support program needs, ensuring high-quality, reproducible data generation
  
• Analyze complex datasets and generate clear, actionable insights
  
• Contribute to internal reports, presentations,publications, and patent filings
  
• Support integration of preclinical findings into development strategy, and contribute to program direction through data-driven insights
  

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Immunology,Molecular Biology,Pharmacology, or related field

• 5+ years of industry experience in oncology research
  
• Strong background in solid tumor biology
  
• Proven ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments
  

• Extensive technical expertise including hands-on experience with cell and molecular biology techniques

• Experience in project managementwithstrong organizational skillsand abilityto manage multiple projects in a fast-paced researchenvironment

Preferred

• Experience in breast cancer research

• Experience in immune-oncology or tumor microenvironment biology

• Familiarity with co-culture systems, immune assays, or cytokine profiling

• Experience studying mechanisms of resistance and interrogating cell signaling pathways

• Experience supportingdrug development programs at all stages, from discovery throughtranslationalandclinical-stage programs

Placement in salary range is dependent upon experience, marketrateand internal equity considerations.

LeonaBiois an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employmenton the basis ofan individuals race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteranstatusor any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms,conditionsand privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion,disciplineand termination.